Kazakh Ambassador Meets the Head of the Belgian Prime Minister’s Cabinet in Brussels

Brussels, 20 March 2024 — Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Belgium, Margulan Baimukhan, held a productive meeting with Peter Moors, Head of the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of Belgium. During the meeting, Ambassador Baimukhan congratulated Peter Moors on Belgium's presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The discussion focused on deepening political and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Belgium, as well as joint efforts with the European Union. Both sides noted the upward trend in trade turnover and the inflow of foreign direct investment from Belgium into Kazakhstan. By the end of 2023, bilateral trade reached $523.7 million, up 1.7% on the previous year ($514.9 million). Moreover, the volume of Belgian foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan exceeded $11 billion between 2013 and 2023.

76 companies with Belgian capital currently operate on the Kazakh market, underscoring the strength of bilateral economic engagement. The establishment of the Kazakhstan–Belgium Business Council in May 2023, in line with the agreement between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, further demonstrates the commitment to strengthening economic cooperation. The Business Council's upcoming second meeting is scheduled for May 2024.

The successful development of interparliamentary cooperation between Kazakhstan and Belgium was highlighted, confirmed by the historic visit of members of the Belgian Senate and Chamber of Representatives to Kazakhstan in 2023.

Ambassador Baimukhan and Peter Moors discussed opportunities to expand transport links between Kazakhstan and the EU, as well as cooperation in the development and supply of rare metals to the European market.

Ambassador Baimukhan also briefed the Belgian official on the ongoing political and economic reforms in Kazakhstan under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He also invited the Belgian official to take part in the Astana International Forum in June 2024.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close contact for the successful implementation of the bilateral events planned for the year.

Source — Kazakhstan and Belgium Continue to Develop Mutually Beneficial Cooperation (www.gov.kz)