Tokayev Welcomes Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to Kazakhstan
The first Belgian state visit to Central Asia will advance talks on critical minerals, transport links, health care and artificial intelligence, officials said.
- Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrived in Kazakhstan on October 11 for their first state visit, leading a 110-member delegation to discuss deepening economic ties on critical minerals, transport, health care and artificial intelligence.
- Philippe previously visited Kazakhstan three times as crown prince, reflecting Astana's efforts to translate closer political relations into investment, trade and industrial cooperation through sustained diplomatic engagement.
- Pharmaceuticals accounted for 48.4% of Belgian exports to Kazakhstan in 2025, while Kazakh exports to Belgium rose 48% to $311.5 million, driven by linseed; talks will now address critical minerals, transport and artificial intelligence.
- Foreign ministries plan to sign a 2026-2029 roadmap, while the fourth Kazakh-Belgian Business Council meeting will facilitate joint investment and infrastructure projects strengthening long-term economic ties.
- Amid global supply chain restructuring and geopolitical tensions, Europe is showing increasing interest in Central Asia, positioning Kazakhstan as a key partner for strategic resource diversification and alternative trade transit routes.
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11 Articles
The Belgian royal couple travels to this country on Sunday as a bridge between Europe and Asia, but also as a champion of diplomatic funambulism. This is the first Belgian state visit to Central Asia. ...
Why Belgium’s Royal Visit to Kazakhstan Matters Beyond Diplomacy
The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will make their first state visit to Kazakhstan on Oct. 11-14, bringing a high-level government, business and academic delegation to talks on critical minerals, transport routes, health care and artificial intelligence as the two countries seek to expand economic ties. The visit, the first Belgian state visit…
King Philippe and his wife Queen Mathilde visit the Republic of Kazakhstan from 11 to 14 October. It is the first Belgian state visit to Central Asia, but the King himself was already there as Crown Prince. The program includes a meeting with President Toqayev in the capital Astana and a visit to the largest city of Almaty. See here in the GALA picture section the most beautiful impressions of their journey.
King Philippe (66) and Queen Mathilde (53) boarded a plane to Kazakhstan on Sunday morning. The Belgian royal couple departed from Melsbroek air base near Brussels, as can be seen in images shared on X by royal correspondent Wim Dehantschutter.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde boarded the plane to Kazakhstan on Sunday morning. The Belgian royal couple departed from Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels, as can be seen in images shared on X by royal correspondent Wim Dehantschutter. Philippe and Mathilde are traveling to Kazakhstan...
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