An official welcome ceremony for Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde is ongoing in Akorda Palace, Qazinform News Agency reports.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

On Sunday, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the high-ranking guests at the Astana Airport. 

The Guard of Honor lined up to welcome the royal couple upon their arrival.

President Tokayev and the Belgian royal couple held a brief conversation in the airport’s arrival hall,

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are accompanied by a 110-member delegation of ministers, business leaders, university rectors and journalists.

The royal couple’s visit will take place from October 11 through 14. This is their first state visit to a Central Asian nation.

Kazakhstan and Belgium