Media: "Diplomatic World" magazine

Author: H.E. Roman Vassilenko, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Head of Mission to the EU and NATO

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70834314/diplomatic-world-magazine-78/154 

A Changing World, A Central Role for Diplomacy

Diplomacy today cannot remain traditionalist or symbolic; it must be a driver of practical outcomes. In a world where geopolitical arrangements are in flux, multilateralism is under stress, supply chains are being dramatically reshaped and the energy map is shifting, Kazakhstan no longer sits on the periphery. Along with our brotherly nations in Central Asia, we are the beating heart of Eurasia – a natural bridge between East and West, a connector and an enabler of dialogue and cooperation. Belgium, at the heart of Europe and host to the EU and NATO, is more than a partner country for us. It is a hub of innovation, logistics, and sustainability. Together, Kazakhstan and Belgium can turn shared ambitions into joint projects that benefit our peoples and contribute to global stability. As we work on expanding our political and commercial ties, we see great opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. Our engagement with both Belgium and the entire European Union cuts across boundaries on so many issues, as our cooperation in the bilateral format reinforces our multilateral ties and vice versa.

A Strategic Partnership with the EU

Kazakhstan’s ties with the European Union rest on solid foundations. The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, in force since 2020, spans 29 areas and remains one of the EU’s most comprehensive frameworks with a non-member state. High-level political dialogue is strong. On 23 September 2025 in New York, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with President of the European Council António Costa. The following day, he also held talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. These meetings underscored shared priorities: expanding cooperation in critical minerals, logistics, digital innovation and artificial intelligence, agriculture, and education.

Europe is Kazakhstan’s largest trade and investment partner, with bilateral trade volumes nearing USD 50 billion in 2024 and continuing to grow this year. Since Kazakhstan’s independence, the EU has invested more than USD 200 billion into our economy, and over 3,000 European companies operate successfully in our country. Belgium itself is a notable contributor: in 2024, Belgian FDI reached USD 1.2 billion, with more than 70 Belgian enterprises active in Kazakhstan.

Critical Minerals: A Foundation for Europe’s Transition

The EU’s green and digital transitions will require vast volumes of secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. Demand is projected to multiply sixfold by 2030. Kazakhstan already produces 21 of the EU-listed 34 critical raw materials, with the potential to produce the remaining ones. It is the world’s leading natural uranium producer, with a global share of about 40% in 2024. The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the EU in 2022 on raw materials, batteries, and renewable hydrogen supply chains is now being implemented. In September 2025, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that, because of just one project under this partnership, called Sarytogan, cooperation with Kazakhstan would provide the EU with graphite sufficient for 100,000 EV batteries annually. Belgium’s globally recognized chemical industry – centered in Antwerp and Limburg – offers natural synergies. By combining Kazakhstan’s reserves with Belgian processing and circular-economy expertise, we can secure Europe’s supply while creating sustainable value chains.

Logistics: The Middle Corridor Meets Antwerp

Connectivity is not a slogan – it is a strategy. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (also known as the Middle Corridor) is already operating at scale. In 2024, freight volumes rose by 62% year-on-year to 4.5 million tonnes, including over 56,000 containers (+170%). Compare this to 860,000 tonnes transported via the corridor in 2020. In 2025, volumes are expected to exceed 5.2 million tonnes, with a plan to reach 10 million tonnes by 2027. Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges, handling 278 million tonnes annually, is Europe’s second-largest. Linking Kazakhstan’s east-west flows with Belgian ports and logistics operators will not only diversify routes but also shorten transit times from Asia to Europe to around 15 days. For companies across Europe, this is resilience and profit in practice.

Digital Transformation and AI

The Digital Qazaqstan agenda and the recent creation of a Ministry for Artificial Intelligence reflect our commitment to the technologies of the future. We understand that AI must be embedded in practical solutions – from logistics optimization to telemedicine and digital education – and we act upon this vision. Belgium, with its leading research hubs in Leuven, Ghent, and Brussels, is a natural partner. Joint projects could include AI-driven customs risk assessment systems, e-health platforms for rural regions, and regulatory sandboxes through the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), which already provides residency for over 4,000 firms from 70 countries under English common law.

Green Energy and Climate Ambitions

Kazakhstan has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Renewables already provide over 7% of electricity generation, with a realistic target of 15% by 2030. Belgium’s strengths in offshore wind, hydrogen, and solar integration make it a crucial partner for joint projects – from hybrid wind-solar parks in Kazakhstan’s steppes to green hydrogen pilot facilities linked to industrial demand. Belgian companies such as Aerospacelab are also developing advanced satellite technologies that can support sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, and we seek to explore mutually beneficial cooperation.

People-to-People, Culture, and Education

Diplomatic frameworks are important, but it is people who create lasting partnerships. Kazakhstan has nearly tripled its R&D spending in the last five years, while Belgium’s universities are among the best in Europe. Expanding dual-degree programs and joint research initiatives can deepen our scientific and educational cooperation. Cultural exchanges – whether through literature, art, music, or city twinning such as between Semey and Ieper – enrich mutual understanding. Tourism too has grown rapidly: Kazakhstan welcomed 15 million foreign visitors in 2024, a 66% increase year-on-year. Belgian tour operators are already exploring Central Asia’s Silk Road heritage and natural landscapes.

Looking Ahead: From Dialogue to Delivery

Astana and Brussels, thus, stand at a promising juncture. From critical minerals to AI, from renewable energy to connectivity, we have complementary strengths. The potential is vast, but so is the responsibility to act. We have a unique window of opportunity. We must not only continue what we’ve already achieved, but take it to a different, higher level. The frameworks are in place – the EPCA, the raw materials agreements, the Middle Corridor investments. What’s needed now is to act quickly, decisively, and with vision. With Belgium and the European Union as close partners, we can move from dialogue to delivery – building not only stronger national economies, but also a sustainable and innovative common future. We are confident that in a few years from now we will look back and we will see a new era of cooperation between Kazakhstan, Belgium, and the European Union.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1093742?lang=kk