Kazakhstan Aims to Expand Comprehensive Cooperation with Belgium and the Netherlands

Astana, 6–7 February 2024 — Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko held meetings with the ambassadors of Belgium and the Netherlands to Kazakhstan, Henri Vantieghem and Nico Schermers.

In talks with the Belgian diplomat, the parties discussed further strengthening political dialogue and stepping up economic and trade ties between the two countries. The positive role of the bilateral Business Council, established in 2023, in expanding trade and investment engagement was noted.

The Deputy Minister congratulated Belgium on assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union and expressed hope for active joint efforts to advance visa facilitation for Kazakh citizens.

At the meeting with the Dutch diplomat, mutual interest was noted in strengthening trade and investment cooperation and in working together on agriculture, water resource management and other relevant areas.

The parties expressed readiness to support the work of the joint Kazakh-Dutch agricultural committee established at the end of last year, intended to give fresh momentum to the mutually beneficial partnership.

Mr Vassilenko called on his counterparts to jointly develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which opens up new prospects for expanding trade and economic engagement between Kazakhstan and Europe.

Particular attention during the meetings was paid to regional cooperation, including in the context of preparations for this year's 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, to be held in Astana. Mr Vassilenko briefed his counterparts on Kazakhstan's initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation on environmental protection, water resources and other areas. Drawing on advanced European experience, he also expressed Kazakhstan's readiness to implement joint projects in the region.

Background: Belgium is an important trading partner for Kazakhstan within the EU. Bilateral trade turnover for 2023 amounted to $523.7 million (exports – $220.7 million, imports – $303 million). The gross inflow of investment from Belgium to Kazakhstan since 2005 has totalled $12.4 billion.

The Netherlands ranks among Kazakhstan's top five trading partners in Europe. In 2023, bilateral trade turnover reached $4.4 billion (exports – $4 billion, imports – $400 million). Since 2005, the volume of Dutch direct investment in Kazakhstan has totalled around $117.7 billion.