Strengthening Partnerships in Asia and the Balkans: Kazakhstan Enhances Its Foreign Economic Relations

Astana, May 30, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov held a series of bilateral meetings as part of the Astana International Forum.

In particular, Deputy Minister held talks with the Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Serbia, Jagoda Lazarević. Both sides confirmed the strategic nature of the partnership between Kazakhstan and Serbia, based on mutual support and strong diplomatic ties, reinforced during the official visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Belgrade in November 2024.

The interlocutors discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, including the organization of the forth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission and the launch of a renewed Business Council. An important topic of discussion was the possibility of opening direct air service between Astana and Belgrade, which would establish regular connectivity between Central Asia and the Western Balkans for the first time.

Following the meeting, Deputy Minister Kuantyrov noted that Kazakhstan considers the development of transport connectivity as one of the key factors in expanding economic cooperation. He expressed support for the initiative to launch direct air service, emphasizing that it would be an important step in strengthening trade, investment, business contacts, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

In addition, during the forum, a substantive meeting was held with Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), Zhang Jun. The parties discussed the expansion of regional dialogue and Kazakhstan’s participation in BFA events. Special attention was paid to the topic of sustainable integration of Central Asia into global economic processes.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of BFA’s role as an international platform that promotes the common interests of Asia, and expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to actively engage in shaping the agenda of future forums.

“Kazakhstan is interested in deepening cooperation with the Boao Forum, especially in the development of investment, trade, and sustainable growth. We see the BFA as not only a platform for exchanging ideas, but also for developing practical solutions that will contribute to the advancement of our regions,” he said.