King Philippe and Queen Mathilde paid a state visit to Kazakhstan as the two countries approach the 35th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium have become the first European monarchs to visit the Republic of Kazakhstan on a state visit. The country of around 21 million people hosted the King and Queen for three days, showcasing its rich history and further strengthening the ties between Belgium and Kazakhstan.
The King and Queen departed Belgium on Sunday (11 October) via Brussels-Melsbroek military airport and arrived later that day in Kazakhstan. This was Philippe’s first visit to Kazakhstan, and, more broadly, to Central Asia, in his capacity as Head of State. The King had previously visited as Crown Prince in 2002, 2009 and 2010.
The official programme began on Monday with a welcoming ceremony led by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Presidential Palace in Astana. The three stood for national anthems before the King inspected a guard of honour. The King and Queen then had the opportunity to view the city’s famcity’syterek Tower amongst the scenic skyline. After their diplomatic welcome, the King and Queen visited a children’s centre. Philippe and Mathilde toured the Montessori, speech therapy, and robotics departments, meeting with children, their families, and staff.
The first day ended with a return to the Presidential Palace for a state dinner hosted by the President, with the Queen looking radiant in a deep red gown. The visit aimed to highlight bilateral cooperation in economic, academic, and cultural sectors.
Day two began with a visit to the National Museum of Kazakhstan, where they toured the country’s history and culture. Accompanied by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the King and Queen also viewed an exhibition of works by Belgian artist James Ensor, organised especially for the visit, per the Palace.
Their Majesties then held major discussions with the two countries’ leaders on business and critical raw materials. The King and Queen were accompanied by a delegation of 110 people, including 25 CEOs and 10 university rectors, as well as the Federal Minister of Mobility, Climate, and Ecological Transition, responsible for Sustainable Development, Jean-Luc Crucke; the Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, Boris Dilliès; Flemish Minister for Brussels and Media, Cieltje van Achter; as well as Anne-Catherine Dalq, Walloon Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, responsible for Forestry, Nature, Hunting and Fisheries, according to the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The King and Queen ended the day with a reception for the Belgian community and Kazakh partners. Trade between Belgium and Kazakhstan has more than tripled in less than a decade, rising from €220 million in 2016 to €765 million in 2025.
Their final day in Kazakhstan saw the King and Queen travel to Almaty for engagements centred on art and technology. Philippe and Mathilde ended the state visit on an ” artistic note” at the Almaty Museum of Arts. The King and Queen had the chance to discover modern and contemporary art by Kazakh and international artists, including Fernand Léger, Richard Serra and Yayoi Kusama.
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