King Philippe of Belgium called on businesses from Kazakhstan and Belgium to cooperate more actively in energy, critical minerals, transport and logistics, finance and tourism. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
He made the statement at the fourth meeting of the Kazakhstan-Belgium Business Council, according to the Akorda press service.
Foundations for stronger ties
According to the monarch, Brussels and Astana possess all the necessary prerequisites for strengthening ties between Europe and Central Asia.
"Belgium, located at the very heart of the European Union, serves as a gateway to the European market and has significant experience in technology, innovation, clean energy, logistics and international trade," Philippe said.
He called Kazakhstan the most important connecting link in the Eurasian space. In his assessment, its geographical position and natural resources have allowed the country to become a regional center for trade, investment and the development of a green economy. These characteristics of the two states create the basis for complementary cooperation.
"Belgium and Kazakhstan are separated by a significant geographical distance, yet in terms of ambition, pragmatic approach and determination, we are surprisingly close," the King concluded.
Tokayev's initiatives
Earlier, Kursiv reported that at the same meeting, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed establishing a partnership between the Antwerp-Bruges port complex and the ports of Aktau and Kuryk to expand markets for Kazakh products. Among other priorities, he identified artificial intelligence, processing of critical minerals, energy and pharmaceuticals.
Thus, the fourth meeting of the Kazakhstan-Belgium Business Council outlined the key directions for further development of economic ties between the two countries. King Philippe's call and President Tokayev's proposals open new horizons for bilateral cooperation.