Kazakhstan and Belgium: Building a Partnership for the Future

By H.E. Roman VASSILENKO, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium

Every year on 21 July, Belgium celebrates its National Day – a moment that commemorates the birth of the modern Belgian state and reflects the enduring values of unity, democracy and openness that have guided the Kingdom for nearly two centuries.

On this special occasion, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to His Majesty King Philippe, the Belgian Government and the people of Belgium. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable friendship between Kazakhstan and Belgium and the promising future that lies ahead.

For more than thirty years, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, our countries have steadily developed a partnership founded on mutual respect, trust and shared interests. Today, Belgium stands among Kazakhstan’s most important partners within the European Union, while Kazakhstan has become Belgium’s key partner in Central Asia.

Our relationship extends well beyond diplomacy. It is built on strong economic ties, growing business cooperation and vibrant people-to-people contacts.

Belgium ranks among the top ten foreign investors in Kazakhstan, with cumulative investments exceeding USD 14.8 billion since 2005. Belgian companies have contributed significantly to Kazakhstan’s industrial modernization, logistics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, bilateral trade continues to demonstrate positive momentum, surpassing USD 580 million in 2025.

These figures tell an important story – but they are more than statistics. They represent confidence, long-term commitment and the willingness of our businesses to invest in each other’s future.

Kazakhstan today is undergoing profound economic transformation. Under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, our country is implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms aimed at building a more diversified, innovative and sustainable economy.

As the largest economy in Central Asia and a strategic bridge between Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan offers unique opportunities for Belgian companies seeking access to rapidly growing regional markets. Our location along the Middle Corridor, combined with ambitious investments in transport infrastructure and logistics, strengthens Kazakhstan’s role as a reliable connector between East and West.

Beyond traditional sectors, new areas of cooperation are emerging.

Innovation, digital technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical raw materials, higher education and scientific research increasingly define the agenda of Kazakhstan-Belgium relations. Universities, research institutions and private companies from both countries are discovering new opportunities for collaboration that will help address global challenges while creating economic value.

This year marks a particularly significant milestone in our bilateral relationship.

In June, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official visit to Brussels, where he held productive meetings with the Belgian leadership and the heads of the European Union institutions. These discussions reaffirmed the excellent political dialogue between our countries and highlighted our shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, connectivity and sustainable development.

The momentum generated by this high-level engagement will continue later this year with the historic State Visit of His Majesty King Philippe to Kazakhstan – the first State Visit by a Belgian monarch since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.

This landmark visit will undoubtedly open a new chapter in Kazakhstan-Belgium relations. It will provide fresh impetus not only for political dialogue but also for cooperation between businesses, universities, research centres and regional authorities.

As Ambassador, I also take particular satisfaction in seeing the growing network of contacts between our societies.

Business forums, academic exchanges, cultural initiatives and scientific partnerships continue to bring our peoples closer together. The recent appointment of a third Belgian Honorary Consul in Kazakhstan further demonstrates Belgium’s growing engagement with our country, while we, too, look forward to expanding Kazakhstan’s honorary consular network in Belgium as another bridge connecting our nations.

International cooperation has never been more important.

In an increasingly interconnected world, Kazakhstan and Belgium share a strong belief in multilateralism, dialogue and respect for international law. As middle powers committed to constructive diplomacy, our countries understand that today’s global challenges – from climate change and energy security to sustainable development and technological innovation – require collective solutions.

Our bilateral partnership therefore contributes not only to the prosperity of our two nations but also to broader international stability and cooperation.

In Kazakhstan, we have a saying: “Where there is unity, there is prosperity.”

This wisdom resonates deeply with Belgium’s national motto: “L’union fait la force”  – “Eendracht maakt macht” (“Unity makes strength”).

Perhaps even more emblematic of the similarities of the challenges we face and the approaches we apply is the fact that President Tokayev’s push to build a Just Kazakhstan resonates perfectly with the systemic efforts, pursued by Prime Minister Bart De Wever and noted today by His Majesty in this National Day address, of building a “faire société”.

Although separated by geography, our nations are united by common values: openness, innovation and a firm belief that cooperation is always better than confrontation.

As Belgium celebrates its National Day, we proudly celebrate not only a trusted partner but also a friendship that continues to grow stronger with every passing year.

May the friendship between Kazakhstan and Belgium continue to flourish, bringing greater prosperity, innovation and understanding to both our peoples for many years to come.

Happy National Day, Belgium!

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