BELGIUM–KAZAKHSTAN: 40 AGREEMENTS IN FOUR DAYS — A ROYAL STATE VISIT RESHAPING ECONOMIC AMBITIONS BETWEEN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
By Kadir Duran | Bruxelles Korner
Brussels, October 21, 2026
The historic State Visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium to Kazakhstan, from October 11 to 14, 2026, marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations. With 40 agreements and cooperation instruments announced in just four days, the visit demonstrated a shared ambition to strengthen diplomatic, economic, industrial, scientific and academic cooperation.
Beyond official ceremonies and diplomatic meetings, the visit reflected a broader geopolitical development: Kazakhstan is seeking to consolidate its position as a strategic economic hub connecting Europe and Asia, while Belgium is looking to diversify its international partnerships, particularly in critical raw materials, logistics, nuclear medicine, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
1. Forty agreements: the main achievements
The announced agreements cover three principal areas:
17 economic agreements, involving agriculture, industry, logistics, healthcare, construction, energy and aviation.
22 university agreements, aimed at strengthening academic exchanges, scientific research, innovation and technological cooperation.
One diplomatic roadmap for 2027–2029, establishing priorities for future cooperation between the Belgian and Kazakh foreign ministries.
These instruments differ in their legal and economic scope. Some represent commercial arrangements, while others are memoranda of understanding, academic partnerships or preliminary commitments.
2. A diplomatic roadmap for 2027–2029
On October 12, representatives of the Belgian and Kazakh foreign ministries signed a bilateral cooperation roadmap covering the period from 2027 to 2029.
The document aims to strengthen political consultations, institutional dialogue and cooperation on regional and international matters.
It also provides a framework for expanding bilateral initiatives ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
3. Seventeen economic agreements: from agriculture to advanced technologies
The Fourth Kazakhstan–Belgium Business Council, held in Astana on October 13, brought together business leaders and institutional representatives from both countries.
The economic agreements and projects announced during the visit included several strategic sectors.
Agriculture and food processing: Belgian companies, including Vandeputte, Scaldis, Linagro, De Smet Engineers & Contractors, Desmet Ballestra and Dewulf, were associated with initiatives involving flaxseed supplies, wheat processing, vegetable oil refining and agricultural equipment.
Construction and infrastructure: Cooperation involving ARTEX Holding and DOREARCHITECTURE focused on environmentally sustainable prefabricated housing.
Aviation: A project involving Proviron and Almaty International Airport addressed the potential local production of aircraft de-icing fluids.
Healthcare and nuclear medicine: Belgian company IBA was associated with a feasibility study concerning proton therapy in Alatau City.
These initiatives illustrate the potential for cooperation that goes beyond traditional trade and includes industrial production, technology transfer and local value creation.
4. Critical raw materials: a strategic priority
Kazakhstan possesses substantial mineral resources essential to modern industries, including renewable energy, electronics, advanced manufacturing and energy storage.
Belgium brings expertise in metallurgy, refining, recycling and applied research.
Institutions and companies such as VITO, Hydrometal, Molymet Belgium and KU Leuven represent an industrial and scientific ecosystem capable of supporting cooperation throughout the critical minerals value chain.
For Kazakhstan, the objective is to develop higher-value industrial activities.
For Belgium and the European Union, the strategic interest lies in diversifying supply chains and strengthening access to essential industrial resources.
5. The Trans-Caspian Corridor: connecting Central Asia with Europe
Transport and logistics were also central to bilateral discussions.
Kazakhstan occupies a strategic position along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, commonly known as the Middle Corridor.
This route connects Central Asia with Europe through the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus and Türkiye.
Potential cooperation between Kazakhstan's ports of Aktau and Kuryk and Belgium's Port of Antwerp-Bruges could contribute to stronger Eurasian trade connections.
However, future infrastructure investments, financing arrangements and operational commitments will determine the practical results of these discussions.
6. Twenty-two university agreements: investing in knowledge and innovation
The Rectors' Forum, held in Astana on October 13, brought together Belgian and Kazakh academic institutions.
The announced partnerships cover student and researcher mobility, joint academic programmes, doctoral education, artificial intelligence, materials science and interdisciplinary research.
Belgian universities, including KU Leuven, Ghent University, UMONS and UCLouvain, are among the institutions involved in developing academic cooperation with Kazakhstan.
Particular attention was given to research on critical materials, digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
The objective is not simply to expand academic exchanges, but also to establish stronger links between universities, research centres and industrial partners.
7. Artificial intelligence: Kazakhstan's technological ambitions
The visit to the Alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Centre in Astana was one of the symbolic highlights of the royal programme.
Kazakhstan has identified artificial intelligence as a major priority for its technological development.
Discussions addressed digital innovation, advanced computing, research infrastructure and opportunities for international cooperation.
For Belgian universities and technology companies, these developments may create opportunities for scientific partnerships and industrial applications.
8. Nuclear medicine: Belgian expertise meets Kazakh scientific capabilities
On October 14, the Belgian royal delegation visited the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Almaty.
The programme included discussions on nuclear technologies and their medical applications.
Belgium possesses internationally recognised expertise in particle accelerators, radioisotopes and advanced medical technologies.
Potential cooperation could include cancer treatment technologies, medical research, nuclear imaging and specialised equipment.
The participation of IBA illustrates the possible complementarity between Belgian technological expertise and Kazakhstan's scientific infrastructure.
9. A growing economic relationship
According to figures presented by Belgian authorities, bilateral trade increased from approximately €220 million in 2016 to €765 million in 2025.
Belgium is also an established investor in Kazakhstan, with companies operating in several industrial and service sectors.
The royal visit provided an opportunity to expand this relationship into new areas of cooperation.
However, the economic significance of the agreements will depend on their implementation, the investments actually committed and the commercial activities generated.
10. The geopolitical dimension: Belgium, Kazakhstan and the European Union
The visit also reflected the growing importance of Central Asia in European economic and diplomatic strategies.
Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its international partnerships while strengthening its industrial and technological capabilities.
Belgium, as a member of the European Union and a major logistics and industrial centre, has an interest in developing relationships with countries that can contribute to supply-chain diversification and technological cooperation.
The bilateral partnership also operates within the broader framework of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
This creates opportunities for cooperation in energy, transport, environmental technologies, education, healthcare and scientific innovation.
11. From agreements to implementation
The announcement of 40 agreements represents a substantial diplomatic outcome.
Nevertheless, the number of signed documents alone does not establish their economic value or guarantee their implementation.
The next stage will require monitoring concrete indicators: investments mobilised, industrial facilities developed, research programmes launched, commercial contracts executed and additional trade generated.
The 2027–2029 roadmap offers a framework for assessing progress.
Conclusion — Bruxelles Korner
The State Visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to Kazakhstan represents an important development in relations between Belgium and Central Asia.
It demonstrates how modern economic diplomacy increasingly brings together political dialogue, industrial expertise, scientific cooperation, critical raw materials and international connectivity.
For Kazakhstan, the challenge is to transform natural resources and geographical advantages into greater industrial and technological value.
For Belgium, the opportunity lies in strengthening economic partnerships, diversifying supply chains and expanding its international scientific and industrial presence.
Forty agreements in four days constitute a notable diplomatic achievement. Their lasting significance, however, will be determined by what Belgium and Kazakhstan actually build together in the years ahead.
Kadir Duran
Bruxelles Korner — International Affairs & Geopolitical Analysis
Sources and references
Belgian Royal Palace — State Visit to Kazakhstan, October 11–14, 2026.
https://www.monarchie.bePresidency of Kazakhstan (Akorda) — Joint Statement by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and King Philippe, October 12, 2026.
https://www.akorda.kzMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan — Bilateral Cooperation Roadmap 2027–2029.
https://www.gov.kzKazakh Invest — Fourth Kazakhstan–Belgium Business Council, October 13, 2026.
https://invest.gov.kzUMONS — Academic cooperation agreements signed in Kazakhstan.
https://web.umons.ac.beBelgian Federal Government — Belgium–Kazakhstan economic and strategic cooperation.
https://news.belgium.beBenelux Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan — Bilateral business relations.
https://benelux.kz
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