Belgium's King Philippe to make state visit to Kazakhstan in autumn 2026
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Belgium's King Philippe will make a state visit to Kazakhstan this autumn, 34 years after the two countries established diplomatic relations. The visit was announced during a cycling event in Brussels organized by Kazakhstan's embassy on 16 August 2026 to mark Sports Day and the anniversary of relations.
Key Facts
- King Philippe of Belgium is to make a state visit to Kazakhstan this autumn, 34 years after diplomatic relations were established.
- The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium held a cycling event in Brussels on 16 August 2026 to mark Kazakhstan's Sports Day and the anniversary of diplomatic relations.
- Kazakhstan's exports to Belgium reached $311.5 million in 2025, up 48 percent from the previous year.
- Former Astana team rider and Olympian Andrey Kashechkin joined the Brussels ride as honorary participant.
The Planned Visit
King Philippe of Belgium is to make a state visit to Kazakhstan this autumn, in the 34th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit was announced on the sidelines of a cycling event in Brussels organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium on 16 August 2026. King Philippe has previously confirmed that he expects the trip at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The Brussels Cycling Event
The cycling event started at the Atomium and brought together Kazakh diplomats, compatriots, students living in Belgium, and Belgian partners and friends of Kazakhstan. Kazakh Ambassador to Belgium Roman Vassilenko said the partnership over 34 years is based on mutual respect and trust, and that cycling and diplomacy both require balance, energy and mutual support. Former Astana team rider and Olympian Andrey Kashechkin joined the ride as honorary participant.
Economic and Diplomatic Context
Kazakhstan's exports to Belgium reached $311.5 million in 2025, up 48 percent from the previous year. The two countries mark 34 years of diplomatic relations in 2026; the state visit is planned for this autumn. The planned state visit is scheduled as a state-level event in the bilateral agenda for 2026.
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Belgium's King Philippe to make state visit to Kazakhstan in autumn 2026
