Meeting of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan with the head of the cabinet of the Prime Minister of Belgium in Brussels

Brussels, March 20, 2024 – The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Margulan Baimukhan had a productive meeting with Pieter Moors, Head of the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of Belgium. During the meeting, Ambassador Baymukhan congratulated Pieter Moors on Belgium's presidency of the European Union.

The discussion concerned deepening political and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Belgium, as well as joint efforts with the European Union. Both sides noted an upward trend in trade volumes and the influx of foreign direct investment from Belgium to Kazakhstan. By the end of 2023, two-way trade amounted to US$523,7 million, up 1,7% from the previous year (US$514,9 million). Moreover, the volume of foreign direct investment from Belgium to Kazakhstan exceeded US$11 billion from 2013 to 2023.

There are currently 76 companies with Belgian capital operating on the Kazakh market, which underlines the strong bilateral economic interaction. In addition, the creation of the Kazakh-Belgian Business Council in May 2023 in accordance with the agreement between the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Prime Minister of Belgium Alexandre De Croo indicates a desire to strengthen economic cooperation. The upcoming second meeting of the Business Council is scheduled for May 2024.

The successful development of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Kazakhstan and Belgium was emphasized, which is confirmed by the historic visit of members of the Senate and House of Representatives of Belgium to Kazakhstan in 2023.

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

In addition, Ambassador Baimukhan informed the Belgian politician about the current political and economic reforms in Kazakhstan under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He also invited the Belgian politician to take part in the Astana International Forum in June 2024.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintain close contacts for the successful implementation of planned bilateral events throughout the year.

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