Kazakhstan, Belarus signal deeper cooperation as trade expands

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov in Astana, underscoring what both sides described as steady progress in bilateral strategic partnership, according to the presidential press service.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan attaches “primary importance” to cooperation with Belarus across all sectors and noted what he called a “positive dynamic” in economic engagement.

He stressed the need to maintain a “trust-based, active dialogue” and to ensure the practical delivery of agreements reached at the highest political level.

The Belarusian foreign minister thanked Tokayev for the reception and conveyed greetings from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Ryzhenkov said Kazakhstan’s domestic policy focus on social welfare and the interests of citizens was a factor that aligns the two countries and strengthens their relationship.

He also pointed to the importance of personal ties between the two leaders as a model for broader cooperation, adding that Minsk “feels support” at all levels of engagement with Astana.

Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in industrial collaboration, transport, agriculture and tourism, alongside other sectors of mutual interest.

Particular attention was given to boosting Kazakh exports to Belarus. Trade turnover between the two countries rose by 30% in 2025, reaching $1.2 billion, according to official data cited during the meeting.

Tokayev also welcomed plans to open a Belarusian consulate general in Almaty, a move expected to deepen regional and business links between the two states.

The two officials additionally exchanged views on regional and international developments, though no further details were disclosed.

Kazakhstan and Belarus have maintained close political and economic ties within regional integration frameworks, and both governments have signalled interest in further expanding cooperation despite shifting geopolitical and trade conditions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev