Tokayev Welcomes Belgian King, Hails Historic Milestone in Bilateral Ties
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has underscored the historic significance of the state visit by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, expressing confidence that the visit would give fresh impetus to bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to Kazakhstan’s presidential press service, Tokayev held a brief conversation with the Belgian royal couple in the arrival hall of Astana’s airport following their arrival for a state visit at his invitation.
Welcoming the royal couple, the Kazakh president said the visit was taking place at a crucial stage in Kazakhstan’s development, noting the country’s economic growth and progress.
He expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen cooperation between Kazakhstan and Belgium and provide new momentum to their bilateral partnership.
In response, King Philippe thanked President Tokayev for the warm welcome and expressed optimism about the upcoming talks, highlighting their importance in deepening the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.
The Belgian monarch also expressed enthusiasm about spending three days in Kazakhstan and gaining a broader understanding of the country.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrived in Kazakhstan on October 11 for a state visit scheduled to continue until October 14. The visit marks the first state visit by a Belgian monarch to Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
The royal couple are accompanied by a delegation comprising government ministers, business leaders, university rectors and journalists.
The programme includes high-level talks, meetings with business representatives, discussions on critical minerals and cooperation in artificial intelligence, as well as engagements in education, healthcare, science and culture.
The visit is expected to provide opportunities to expand cooperation in economic development, investment, technology, research and cultural exchange, further strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and Belgium.
