Kazakhstan - Belgium Business Council bolsters trade and economic cooperation

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermukhambet Konuspayev took part an international conference entitled "Central Asia - the Core of the SCO: A Space of Peace and Shared Development" was held in Dushanbe. The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and the SCO Friendship and Cooperation Centre in Tajikistan, and was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

In his statement, Deputy Minister Konuspayev noted that, since the very beginning of the "Shanghai Process", the Central Asian countries have been among the active founding states of the Organization and continue to make a significant contribution to its development. He stressed that Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to further strengthening the SCO as a platform for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation.

In his welcoming remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, emphasized that, owing to the political will of the leaders of the Central Asian states, the region has in recent years become one of the most dynamically developing regions of Eurasia. He noted that Central Asia has objectively begun to play a system-forming role, constituting a stable core of the SCO and generating momentum for its further evolution.

Virtually all participants highlighted the important role of the SCO in ensuring security and stability across Eurasia, underscoring its prominent place among respected and influential international and regional organizations.

Particular attention was paid to the contribution of the Central Asian countries to the establishment and progressive development of the SCO, as well as to their role in strengthening the principles of mutual trust, good-neighbourliness and equal partnership.

The conference brought together Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan, the Ambassador of Iran to Tajikistan, as well as heads and representatives of international organizations, including ESCAP, CIS, CSTO, UNESCO, CICA, ECO and others.

As part of the visit, Deputy Minister Konuspayev held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Nigina Alizoda.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation, including preparations for upcoming contacts at the highest and high levels, as well as prospects for the further development of Kazakhstan-Tajikistan cooperation in the political, trade, economic and investment spheres.

The parties also reviewed specific issues related to the implementation of joint projects of mutual interest and exchanged views on current regional and international agenda issues.

 

The delegations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union successfully held another round of negotiations on the draft Agreement of Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the negotiations, the parties continued substantive discussions aimed at further aligning their positions on the key provisions of the future agreements.

Particular attention was paid to improving visa procedures for citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including application processing times, the issuance of multiple-entry visas, the optimization of supporting documentation requirements, and other practical measures designed to facilitate people-to-people contacts.

At the conclusion of the negotiations, the parties noted significant progress on the majority of provisions of both agreements and confirmed their readiness to continue the work.

The results achieved reflect a high level of mutual understanding and provide a solid foundation for further enhancing the mobility of citizens, as well as expanding business, educational, scientific and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and the European Union.

 

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashykbayev received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to the Republic of Kazakhstan Christopher Duggan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Canada in the political, trade, economic and legal areas.

Special attention was paid to high-level contacts and issues of multilateral cooperation.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue efforts to expand bilateral interaction.

 

A Kazakhstan delegation led by Ambassador Margulan Baimukhan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to UN ESCAP, and comprising representatives of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has commenced its work at the Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum and Paperless Trade Week 2026 (APTFF x PTW 2026), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The event is taking place at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from 8 to 12 June 2026 under the theme "Next Generation Trade Digitalization - Advancing Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation."

Throughout the week, participants from more than 50 countries across the Asia-Pacific region will engage in high-level panels, interactive sessions, and knowledge-sharing dialogues aimed at generating new perspectives and practical solutions across all dimensions of trade facilitation and digital transformation.

The Forum serves as one of the region’s key platforms for discussing trade digitalization, the modernization of logistics and customs procedures, and the strengthening of cooperation among Asia-Pacific countries with a view to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of international trade.

 

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Kuwait, Yerzhan Yelekeyev, held a meeting with the State Minister for Economic Affairs and Investment of the State of Kuwait, Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

Particular attention was paid to strengthening cooperation in the agro-industrial sector and ensuring food security. The Kazakh side presented the country’s potential as one of the leading producers of agricultural products in Central Asia, as well as opportunities for expanding exports of value-added agricultural products.

The Kuwaiti side emphasized that ensuring food security is one of its key national priorities and that cooperation with Kazakhstan in this area is important not only for the State of Kuwait, but for the region as a whole.

Special attention was given to the development of Alatau City, one of the largest investment projects in Kazakhstan. The parties noted its strong investment potential and expressed confidence that the project could attract the interest of Kuwaiti businesses and investors, opening up new opportunities for bilateral investment cooperation.

During the meeting, Ambassador conveyed an invitation from the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, inviting the State Minister to pay a visit to Kazakhstan.

The parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as in implementing joint projects of mutual interest.

State Minister for Economic Affairs and Investment of the State of Kuwait, also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Kuwait and one of the world’s largest sovereign investment funds, with assets under management estimated at approximately USD 1 trillion. In addition, minister chairs the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) - the government authority responsible for attracting foreign direct investment, facilitating strategic investment projects, and enhancing the investment attractiveness of the State of Kuwait.

 

The XXXIII Meeting of the Consultative Council of Heads of Consular Services of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Member States was held, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and the CIS Executive Committee and also by representatives of Armenia and Tajikistan via videoconference. Representatives of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan participated in the meeting as observers. The Kazakh delegation was headed by Bolat Katkenov, Deputy Director of the Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, participants discussed issues related to the implementation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 24 April 1963, exchanged views on the implementation of the Convention on Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil, Family and Criminal Matters of 7 October 2002, as well as other international agreements, including bilateral consular agreements concluded between CIS member states.

The parties emphasized the importance of exchanging relevant information between competent authorities on matters related to the mutual recognition of documents issued within the framework of the conventions. The heads of consular services recommended intensifying direct cooperation and interagency interaction through the use of modern communication channels, including between the Ministries of internal affairs of CIS member states.

Special attention was paid to the protection of the rights and interests of citizens, including support and assistance to persons temporarily residing, studying, and carrying out labor activities in the territories of CIS member states.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the heads of the delegations signed the Protocol and noted that the negotiations had been held in a constructive and substantive atmosphere. They also agreed to continue the regular exchange of information on all areas of consular relations.

 

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Finland Azamat Abdraimov met with Secretary General of the Scandinavian and Central Asian Sustainable Business Association (SCABA) Ilkka Räisänen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for developing trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Nordic countries, as well as a number of current areas on the bilateral agenda.

The Kazakh diplomat informed his interlocutor about the ongoing economic reforms in the country, measures to improve the investment climate and priorities of state policy in the field of sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to the potential of Kazakhstan as a regional hub for the implementation of joint projects in Central Asia.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue dialogue and promote the development of mutually beneficial cooperation.

 

A meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran between Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Iran Ontalap Onalbayev and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of Kazakh-Iranian cooperation in multilateral formats, including cooperation within the United Nations and other international organizations.

Special attention was paid to the initiative of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a specialized international organization on water issues within the UN system. The Kazakh side emphasized that water-related challenges today are directly linked not only to environmental issues, but also to sustainable development, food and energy security, climate resilience and social stability.

It was noted that, despite the significant efforts of the international community, the global water agenda continues to face institutional fragmentation, while the gap between political commitments and their practical implementation persists. In this regard, special attention was drawn to the fact that Kazakhstan’s initiative is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of international cooperation, strengthening coordination within the UN system, mobilizing financing, facilitating the exchange of data and expertise, and promoting practical projects in the field of sustainable water resources management.

The parties exchanged views on the further development of this initiative, taking into account Iran’s experience in water resources, legal affairs and multilateral diplomacy.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran for Legal and International Affairs noted that water diplomacy is one of the relevant areas for Iran and said that a Water Diplomacy Committee had recently been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this regard.

Gharibabadi commended the level of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Iran and Kazakhstan, as well as the close partnership between the two sides on matters of mutual support. He noted that Iran had previously supported many innovative international initiatives put forward by Astana and expressed confidence that this cooperation would continue to strengthen.

The Iranian diplomat expressed interest in continuing constructive dialogue with Kazakhstan on current issues of multilateral cooperation and in strengthening interaction between the two countries on international platforms.