ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vasilenko and the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Director of Bilateral Relations Jeroen Coorman participated in the fifth round of political consultations in Brussels on October 18.
Mr Vasilenko and Mr Coorman met in Brussels on October 18 for the fifth round of political talks. Photo courtesy: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan
According to a statement from the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks covered a variety of topics, including political, trade, economic and cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan and Belgium. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties and expressed readiness to pursue joint economic projects.
Mr. Vasilenko said that Kazakhstan highly values close exchanges with Belgium as an important political and economic partner of the European Union (EU).
“Both countries have great potential to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas such as energy, transportation and finance. We place special emphasis on the development of green energy and digital innovation, and our joint projects We are confident that this will make a significant contribution to a sustainable future.”
Mr. Coorman said the partnership between the two countries will play an important role in strengthening relations between the EU and Central Asia.
“Belgium considers Kazakhstan a strategic partner in Central Asia. We are glad to expand our cooperation not only in the economic field, but also in the fields of international security and sustainable development.”
The consultations also emphasized the need to strengthen cultural and humanitarian relations, in particular by promoting active dialogue between parliaments and sharing expertise between the legislative bodies of both countries.
Since 2005, total Belgian investments in Kazakhstan have reached $12.5 billion, and 76 Belgian companies are currently operating in the country. Photo courtesy: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan
Both sides reaffirmed their readiness to cooperate closely within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and other international organizations.
Discussions also addressed regional security and stability in Central Asia, as well as the need for joint efforts to combat climate change and address global challenges.
As a result of the meeting, the diplomats agreed to strengthen dialogue between the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Belgium and continue to work on strengthening trade and economic ties. High-level visits and intergovernmental meetings will further strengthen ties between the two countries.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Belgium will reach $523.7 million in 2023 (exports $220.7 million, imports $303 million), and in 2022 ($514.9 million). ) increased by 1.7%. In the first eight months of 2024, trade volume was $289 million (exports – $114.3 million, imports – $174.7 million).
