Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, engaged in discussions with the Ambassadors of Belgium and the Netherlands to Kazakhstan, Vantieghem Henri and Nico Schermers on February 6-7, to foster stronger ties between the nations, MFA reported.
In talks with the Belgian diplomat, the focus was on fortifying the political dialogue and enhancing economic and trade ties between the two countries. Both parties acknowledged the instrumental role played by the bilateral Business Council, established in 2023, in fostering trade and investment collaboration.
Deputy Minister Vassilenko extended congratulations to Belgium on assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union and expressed optimism for collaborative efforts in advancing the issue of facilitating the visa regime for citizens of Kazakhstan.
Similarly, discussions with the Dutch diplomat underscored mutual interests in amplifying trade and investment cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture and water resources management. Both sides affirmed their commitment to supporting the joint Kazakh-Dutch agricultural committee, inaugurated late last year, to invigorate their mutually beneficial partnership.
Vassilenko urged the diplomats to collectively explore the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, presenting new avenues for expanding trade and economic exchanges between Kazakhstan and Europe.
Of particular significance during the meetings was the emphasis on regional cooperation, particularly in preparation for the VI Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia scheduled for later this year in Astana. Vassilenko briefed the diplomats on Kazakhstan’s initiatives aimed at bolstering regional cooperation in environmental protection and water resource management, expressing readiness to implement joint projects drawing from the European experience.
Belgium stands as a pivotal trading partner for Kazakhstan within the EU, with bilateral trade turnover reaching $523.7mn by the end of 2023. Notably, Belgium's gross investment inflow into Kazakhstan since 2005 totals $12.4bn.
Similarly, the Netherlands emerges as one of Kazakhstan's top five trading partners in Europe, with trade turnover between the nations hitting $4.4bn in 2023. Since 2005, the Netherlands has invested approximately $117.7bn in Kazakhstan.
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