Kazakhstan and Belgium Agree to Expand Bilateral Cooperation Across Key Sectors
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan and Belgium have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including critical minerals, renewable energy, transport and logistics, artificial intelligence, agriculture, healthcare and education.
The agreement was outlined in a joint statement adopted by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and King Philippe of the Belgians during the Belgian monarch’s state visit to Kazakhstan from October 11 to 14, 2026, according to Qazinform News Agency, citing the Akorda presidential press service.
During their talks, the two leaders reviewed the current state of bilateral relations, explored prospects for further cooperation and exchanged views on key regional and international developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening friendly relations based on mutual trust, respect, equality and mutually beneficial partnership.
Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding trade and investment ties, acknowledging the continued presence of Belgian businesses in Kazakhstan and the considerable potential for further economic cooperation. They also welcomed the fourth meeting of the Kazakhstan–Belgium Business Council, held during the state visit, as an important platform for strengthening commercial relations.
The two countries identified critical minerals, petrochemicals, industrial development, mechanical engineering, renewable energy and transport infrastructure as key areas for future collaboration. They also welcomed a roundtable on critical minerals, highlighting the strategic importance of cooperation in this sector.
Particular attention was given to strengthening transport and logistics connectivity between Europe and Asia through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which the leaders recognized as an increasingly important and sustainable link between the two continents.
The joint statement also highlighted opportunities to deepen cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, supercomputing infrastructure and data centres, with both countries recognizing the growing importance of innovation for economic competitiveness and sustainable development.
In agriculture, the sides expressed their intention to expand bilateral trade in agricultural products, promote food processing and introduce modern agricultural technologies.
Education and scientific research also featured prominently in the discussions. The two countries welcomed the Kazakhstan–Belgium Rectors’ Forum and supported the development of joint academic programmes, student and academic mobility, collaborative research projects and partnerships between universities and research institutions.
In healthcare, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, particularly in primary healthcare, within the framework of the World Health Organization’s Global Coalition for Primary Health Care. They emphasized the importance of the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978 and the Astana Declaration of 2018 in advancing accessible and effective healthcare systems.
The leaders further underscored the need for joint action to address climate change, water scarcity and environmental degradation while promoting sustainable development. They also stressed the importance of strengthening intercultural and interreligious dialogue and fostering peace, mutual respect and tolerance.
On consular and diplomatic matters, the two sides welcomed the entry into force of a protocol amending the agreement between Kazakhstan and the Benelux countries on visa exemptions for holders of service passports.
They also expressed their intention to conclude negotiations and sign an agreement permitting the remunerated employment of family members of diplomatic mission personnel, as part of preparations to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Belgium in 2027.
At the international level, Kazakhstan and Belgium reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, international law and the central role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges.
The two countries also agreed to intensify political dialogue within the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Kazakhstan–European Union and Central Asia–European Union cooperation frameworks.
The leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of their discussions and reaffirmed their determination to give fresh impetus to bilateral relations. They described the Belgian monarch’s first state visit to Kazakhstan as an important milestone that would provide a foundation for the further development of the partnership.
