Kazakhstan, Belgium plan to expand cooperation in transport, energy, critical mineralsKazakhstan and Belgium plan to expand cooperation in transport and logistics, critical minerals, renewable energy, agriculture, health care and artificial intelligence, the Kazakh presidential press service said Monday."The head of state noted the significant potential for expanding cooperation between our countries in transport and logistics, critical minerals, renewable energy, agriculture, health care and artificial intelligence," the press service said following expanded-format talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians in Astana.Tokayev said he looked forward to the fourth meeting of the Kazakhstan-Belgium Business Council, set for October 13, 2026."It is gratifying to see this initiative become an effective platform for realizing promising opportunities and achieving sustainable practical results. We also greatly value our interaction with Belgium within the European Union and on multilateral platforms. Amid growing global uncertainty, partnerships based on trust, respect and mutual understanding take on particular significance," the Kazakh president said.In his view, the most significant achievements in relations between the two countries are still ahead. "For my part, I will make every effort to ensure the full implementation of the agreements reached during this visit," Tokayev promised.The president said Kazakhstan regards Belgium as a time-tested and reliable partner in Europe."Next year will mark 35 years since our countries established diplomatic relations. Your visit gives new impetus to preparations for this milestone and opens up opportunities to fill our cooperation with concrete results," Tokayev said.Belgium is one of Kazakhstan’s key trading partners and ranks among the top 10 investors in its economy, he said. “This reflects the confidence Belgian investors have in Kazakhstan’s economic prospects,” the president said.King Philippe of the Belgians named artificial intelligence, energy and nuclear power as important areas of cooperation.Both sides welcomed the wide range of initiatives put forward and reaffirmed their commitment to turning them into concrete areas of cooperation.The state visit by the Belgian king and queen was the first-ever visit to Kazakhstan and Central Asia. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX