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ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Belgium are looking to expand cooperation in trade, transport, critical minerals, education and advanced technologies, following the recent state visit of Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg and Head of Mission to the European Union Roman Vassilenko said at a briefing in Brussels.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Belgium Roman Vassilenko outlines prospects for expanding Kazakhstan-Belgium and Kazakhstan-EU cooperation during a press briefing at the Press Club Brussels Europe. Photo credit: MFA.
Speaking at the Press Club Brussels Europe, Vassilenko outlined the outcomes of the royal visit, which took place on Oct. 12-14, and discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation and Kazakhstan’s partnership with the EU, reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ press service.
The briefing brought together Deputy Director of the Central Asia and Caucasus Department at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gommaar Dubois, Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of the European Council Marilyn Josephson, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, media and expert community.
Vassilenko described the first-ever state visit by a Belgian monarch to Kazakhstan as historically significant, highlighting its role in strengthening political dialogue and expanding trade and economic ties between the two countries.
The ambassador outlined the visit’s outcomes, including a joint statement adopted by the two heads of state and a roadmap for cooperation for 2027-2029 signed by the two countries’ foreign ministries. A total of 40 documents were announced during the visit, including 16 commercial agreements and 22 agreements between universities and research institutions.
Trade, investment cooperation and EU partnership
Roman Vassilenko. Photo credit: MFA.
Vassilenko highlighted opportunities to implement the agreements reached during the visit in transport and logistics, critical minerals, agriculture, healthcare, education and advanced technologies. He pointed to potential cooperation between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Kazakhstan’s ports of Aktau and Kuryk, as well as joint projects in critical raw materials processing, scientific research and artificial intelligence.
Turning to relations with the EU, Vassilenko emphasized Kazakhstan’s role as the EU’s key trade and economic partner in Central Asia as trade between Kazakhstan and the EU exceeded $45 billion in 2025. Vassilenko also highlighted the significance of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Brussels in June and the first Central Asia-EU Summit, held in Samarkand in April 2025.
Belgian and EU perspectives
Dubois, representing Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the outcomes of the state visit, noting its extensive political, economic and academic program. He said the participation of a 115-member Belgian delegation, alongside events held in Astana and Almaty, helped establish direct contacts between the business and scientific communities of the two countries.
Dubois also highlighted the agreement between the Benelux countries and Kazakhstan on visa-free travel for holders of service passports, which is set to enter into force on Nov. 1. He said the agreement would facilitate more frequent official contacts, including with EU institutions.
Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of the European Council Josephson said diversifying economic ties and strengthening connectivity remain key priorities for the EU’s partnership with Kazakhstan. She highlighted opportunities for cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, energy security, renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical raw materials.
Josephson also emphasized the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, designated a flagship project under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. Unlocking its full potential, she said, requires investment in railway and port infrastructure and logistics hubs, as well as simpler border-crossing and trade procedures.
Participants also discussed next steps for implementing the agreements reached, attracting investment, improving transport connectivity and expanding cooperation between businesses, universities and research institutions in Kazakhstan and Belgium.
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