Tokayev holds talks with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde: logistics, minerals and AI on the agenda

On 12 October, an official welcome ceremony for King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians was held at the Akorda, after which President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with them, first in a restricted and then in an expanded format, the Akorda press service reports.

In honour of the guests, a flight of Air Defence Forces helicopters performed a demonstration flight in front of the Akorda carrying the state flags of Kazakhstan and Belgium. The leaders introduced the members of their official delegations to each other, and the presidential band played the national anthems of both countries.

Tokayev called the first-ever state visit of the King and Queen of the Belgians to Kazakhstan and Central Asia a historic event that opens a new chapter in the partnership, and described Belgium as a time-tested and reliable partner of Kazakhstan in Europe. He noted that next year the two countries will mark 35 years of diplomatic relations, and that the King had visited Kazakhstan three times as Crown Prince.

“Belgium is one of Kazakhstan’s leading trading partners,” the President stressed, adding that the country is also among the ten largest investors in the Kazakh economy. He sees potential for expanding cooperation in transport and logistics, critical minerals, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare and artificial intelligence.

King Philippe said the delegation had come to learn about artificial intelligence, energy and nuclear energy, noting that university rectors and company representatives were travelling with him. Tokayev, for his part, said he was looking forward to the fourth session of the Kazakh-Belgian Business Council, to be held on 13 October.

In conclusion, the two sides expressed satisfaction with the initiatives presented and confirmed their readiness to further develop practical cooperation.