BRUSSELS: The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium hosted the inaugural informal gathering of heads of diplomatic missions from Central Asian states, Mongolia, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Brussels. The meeting aimed to facilitate the exchange of experiences in expanding trade, economic, and industrial partnerships between Asia and Europe, while also exploring ASEAN’s expertise in fostering inter- and intra-regional dialogues.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium, Margulan Baimukhan, welcomed the attendees and underscored the crucial role of Brussels’ diplomatic missions in enhancing relations between Asia and the European Union. He highlighted ASEAN’s significant position as the EU’s third-largest trading partner, with an annual turnover exceeding 270 billion euros, emphasizing its relevance for Central Asian countries seeking to leverage their energy, transport, and export potential in EU relations.
Central Asian countries, alongside Mongolia, boast a combined GDP of 430 billion euros, with burgeoning young populations projected to surpass 100 million by 2050. Intra-regional trade within Central Asia reached 11 billion euros in 2023, indicating the region’s economic dynamism and potential for growth.
Ambassador Baimukhan emphasized the mutual commitment of Central Asian countries and ASEAN to enhancing global dialogue and international security, notably as nuclear-weapon-free zones. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s efforts to bolster trade and economic ties with ASEAN, with trade turnover reaching 3.9 billion euros in 2023, marking a 32% increase from previous periods.
Representing the ASEAN Chairmanship, Ambassador of Laos Kingphokeo Phommahaxay outlined the achievements and plans on the eve of the 25th anniversary of EU-ASEAN relations, emphasizing ASEAN’s growing role in global economic relations. He expressed willingness to collaborate with Central Asian partners on climate, innovation, humanitarian, and trade dialogues.
Discussions during the meeting encompassed topics such as increasing flight connectivity, enhancing cultural and humanitarian exchanges, strengthening dialogue with the EU on democratic institutions, and fostering business contacts among the participating countries. The participants affirmed their commitment to maintaining substantive dialogue to bolster comprehensive cooperation in promising areas between Central Asia, Mongolia, ASEAN, and the EU.
