The foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Belgium have signed a cooperation roadmap for 2027-2029. The document provides for intensified political dialogue, regular consultations, stronger interagency contacts and the promotion of joint initiatives, infohub.kz reports.
The signing took place in Astana at a meeting between Yerzhan Ashikbayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, and Theodora Gentzis, Chair of the Steering Committee of Belgium's Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
The meeting was held as part of the state visit of King Philippe of the Belgians to Kazakhstan. The two sides discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, noting the significance of the Belgian monarch's first state visit for further strengthening the partnership.
They also reviewed Kazakhstan's interaction with the European Union, including prospects for signing agreements on visa facilitation and readmission. Improving the bilateral legal framework was discussed as well.
Ashikbayev and Gentzis exchanged views on international and regional issues, including cooperation at the United Nations, strengthening international security and advancing multilateral initiatives.
Following the meeting, the sides confirmed their interest in deepening cooperation and putting agreements into practice, including ahead of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Belgium in 2027.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that following talks with the King of Belgium, Qasym-Jomart Toqaev promised to personally oversee the timely implementation of Belgian companies' projects in Kazakhstan. Since 2005, Belgium has invested more than $15 billion in the country's economy. The sides intend to expand cooperation, particularly in critical minerals and biotechnology.