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ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Belgium are set to deepen cooperation in transport and logistics, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, digitalization and other priority sectors as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Belgium’s King Philippe in Astana on Oct. 12.
From left: Belgium’s Queen Mathilde, King Philippe and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo credit: Akorda
The talks marked the start of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s first state visit to Kazakhstan, which brings a high-level delegation of government officials, business leaders and academics to the country to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new partnership opportunities.
Tokayev described Belgium as a reliable and time-tested partner for Kazakhstan in Europe, highlighting the close ties the two countries have built over more than three decades.
“This landmark occasion opens a golden chapter in the history of our nations. It truly honors the friendship between our peoples. Belgium is a brilliant and time-tested partner of Kazakhstan in Europe. We deeply admire your beautiful country, its distinguished history and its enduring traditions,” Tokayev said.
According to Tokayev, Belgium is among Kazakhstan’s leading investment partners, with more than $15 billion invested in the Kazakh economy since 2005. Photo credit: Akorda
He also highlighted Belgium’s rich cultural heritage, scientific achievements and contribution to international dialogue.
“Over the past three decades, our countries have forged close ties founded on genuine friendship, mutual respect and trust. Next year marks the 35th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, an important milestone in our enduring partnership,” he said.
According to Tokayev, Belgium is among Kazakhstan’s leading investment partners, with more than $15 billion invested in the Kazakh economy since 2005. Bilateral trade increased by nearly 30% last year. More than 100 Belgian companies and joint ventures currently operate in Kazakhstan.
“Our government will continue to create favorable conditions for Belgian investors to expand their presence and pursue new opportunities. Their full and timely implementation will be under my personal monitoring and control,” Tokayev said.
Tokayev welcomed progress on facilitating travel between the two countries through amendments to the visa exemption agreement for holders of service passports.
The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues.
“Kazakhstan and Belgium share firm commitments to international law, multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of conflicts. At a time of growing global uncertainty, dialogue, mutual trust and responsible diplomacy are more essential than ever,” Tokayev said.
He also reaffirmed the importance of Kazakhstan’s strategic partnership with the European Union, including agreements signed during his recent visit to Brussels.
Belgium sees new opportunities
King Philippe thanked Tokayev and said the visit aimed to strengthen relations between the two countries and explore new areas of cooperation.
“We know that over the past 35 years, our countries have formed unbreakable ties. They are based on what, in our own region, makes us special: diversity and connectivity. The three coming days will allow us to explore the potential and opportunities our countries offer each other,” he said.
King Philippe praised Kazakhstan’s development and its growing role in regional and international affairs. Photo credit: Akorda
He praised Kazakhstan’s development and its growing role in regional and international affairs.
“The continuing transformation of Kazakhstan into a world player is impressive. Only recently, the Kazakh people cemented constitutional reforms that reflect new ambitions for the people. By all standards, Kazakhstan is today a modern society built on ancient foundations and traditions. With a well-educated population, a large middle class and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Kazakhstan is ready to tackle challenges for the future,” King Philippe said.
The king highlighted Kazakhstan’s progress in digitalization and artificial intelligence. He also praised Kazakhstan’s role in promoting dialogue and understanding, noting the country’s multicultural society and its position at the heart of the Middle Corridor.
“Kazakhstan is now at the core of the Middle Corridor, literally in the heart of the region. As a bridge builder, Kazakhstan is more than ever the promoter of dialogue, the rules-based international order and the firm belief in multilateralism as a way to solve disputes. This is what fundamentally binds Kazakhstan with Belgium and the European Union,” Philippe said.
The two leaders also expressed expectations for the upcoming fourth Kazakh-Belgian Business Council and other meetings, which they said would provide platforms for turning shared ambitions into tangible results.
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