Kazakhstan and Belgium have signed a roadmap for cooperation for 2027-2029, outlining plans to step up political dialogue, hold regular consultations, strengthen interagency contacts and promote joint initiatives, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. The document was signed in Astana at a meeting between Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev and Theodora Gentzis, Chair of the Management Committee of Belgium’s Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
The meeting took place as part of the state visit of King Philippe of the Belgians to Kazakhstan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, highlighting the importance of the monarch’s first state visit to Kazakhstan for further strengthening the partnership.
The parties also discussed cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU, including prospects for signing agreements on visa facilitation and readmission. The parties also addressed ways to improve the bilateral legal framework.
Ashikbayev and Gentzis exchanged views on international and regional issues, including cooperation within the UN, strengthening international security and advancing multilateral initiatives.
Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and implementing existing agreements, particularly ahead of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Belgium in 2027.
Earlier, following talks with King Philippe, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pledged to personally oversee the timely implementation of projects undertaken by Belgian companies in Kazakhstan. Belgium has invested more than $15 billion in Kazakhstan since 2005. The two countries also intend to expand cooperation in areas including critical minerals and biotechnology.