King Philippe to make first Belgian state visit to Kazakhstan this fall
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King Philippe of Belgium will pay his first state visit to Kazakhstan this fall at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The visit, announced during Tokayev's meeting with Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels in June 2026, marks the first by a Belgian monarch since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.
Key Facts
- King Philippe confirmed his intention to visit Kazakhstan in a message to President Tokayev on Aug. 8, 2026.
- Belgium recognized Kazakhstan's independence on Dec. 31, 1991, and diplomatic relations were established on Aug. 25, 1992.
- As Crown Prince, Philippe visited Kazakhstan three times—in 2002, 2009, and 2010—leading economic missions.
- Kazakhstan opened its embassy in Brussels in 1993, and Belgium opened its embassy in Astana in 2006.
Visit Announcement
The state visit was announced during President Tokayev's meeting with Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels in June 2026. Tokayev stressed that he attached 'exceptional importance' to the King's forthcoming visit. On Aug. 8, King Philippe confirmed his intention in a message to President Tokayev, replying to greetings on Belgium's National Day. The sovereign expressed gratitude and said he was 'looking forward' to his state visit to Astana later in the year.
Historical Ties
Belgium recognized Kazakhstan's independence on Dec. 31, 1991, and diplomatic relations were formally established on Aug. 25, 1992. Kazakhstan opened its embassy in Brussels in 1993, while Belgium established its embassy in Astana in 2006. Under President Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first president paid nine official and working visits to Belgium between 1993 and 2018. In December 2006, Nazarbayev received Belgium's highest distinction, the Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold, from King Albert II. In 2010, a monument dedicated to victims of nuclear testing, inspired by the 'Stronger than Death' memorial in Semei, was inaugurated in Ypres.
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King Philippe to make first Belgian state visit to Kazakhstan this fall
