A brief conversation took place in Astana between President of Kazakhstan Qasym-Jomart Toqaev and the Belgian royal family, who arrived in the country on a state visit. The meeting was held in the arrivals hall of the capital's airport immediately after the aircraft carrying the distinguished guests touched down, infohub.kz reports.
The head of state warmly welcomed King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, emphasizing the historic significance of this visit for strengthening Kazakh-Belgian relations.
"Kazakhstan is very glad to host your visit. You have arrived at an exceptionally important period in the development of our state. On the whole, we are developing successfully, and our economy is growing. It is no exaggeration to say that your visit will give a powerful impetus to bilateral relations," the President of Kazakhstan noted.
For his part, King Philippe thanked Qasym-Jomart Toqaev for the warm welcome and expressed confidence in the success of the upcoming talks, noting their importance for deepening the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.
"Thank you for the very warm welcome you have given us from the very beginning, right at the aircraft steps, immediately after we landed. We are very glad to be here for three full days and hope to get to know your country as closely as possible," said the King of the Belgians.
It was reported earlier that Qasym-Jomart Toqaev personally met King Philippe and Queen Mathilde at Astana airport upon their arrival in Kazakhstan on a state visit.
From the moment the aircraft carrying the royal couple crossed the republic's border until it reached the capital's air hub, it was escorted by fighter jets of the Kazakh Air Force.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will stay in Kazakhstan on a state visit from October 11 to 14.
During the meeting with the President of Kazakhstan, the sides will discuss cooperation between the two countries. The visit program includes participation in a meeting of the Kazakhstan – Belgium business council and a forum of university rectors from the two countries. Other events are also planned.