Belgium has invested over $15 billion in Kazakhstan since 2005: Tokayev and King Philippe sum up the talks

After the talks at the Akorda, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and King Philippe of the Belgians addressed the media. According to the Head of State, the talks were held in an open, friendly and constructive atmosphere, and the two countries have no political disagreements or unresolved issues, which creates a solid basis for broader cooperation, the Akorda press service reports.

Economy. Tokayev called economic cooperation one of the key pillars of the relationship: since 2005, Belgian investment in Kazakhstan’s economy has exceeded $15 billion. The sides agreed to step up cooperation in transport and logistics, critical minerals, energy, industry, agriculture, biotechnology, digitalisation and space technology. The President said the government would continue to create favourable conditions for Belgian investors and that he would personally oversee the implementation of new projects.

What comes next. A Kazakh-Belgian business forum, a forum of university rectors and a round table on critical minerals are scheduled for 13 October. Dozens of bilateral agreements and documents are expected to be signed as a result.

Culture and travel. The two countries intend to strengthen direct ties between universities, museums and cultural institutions and to develop joint educational programmes and academic exchanges. Tokayev mentioned the works by James Ensor on display at the National Museum of Kazakhstan, cooperation between the Almaty Museum of Arts and KANAL-Centre Pompidou, and amendments to the visa waiver agreement for holders of service passports. The outcomes of the talks are set out in the Joint Statement adopted on the day.

The President also thanked the Belgian side for a symbolic gesture: at that very moment, the state flag of Kazakhstan was being raised for the first time on the Grand-Place in Brussels, in front of the City Hall.

King Philippe noted that over the past thirty years the two countries have built strong ties and that many Belgian companies have firmly established themselves in the Kazakh market. He said he was particularly looking forward to the Business Council session and a visit to the Alem.AI artificial intelligence centre, and that he was glad the visit was taking place on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence.