Kazakh president receives Belarusian foreign minister to discuss bilateral cooperation

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday received Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov during his official visit to Kazakhstan, where they discussed bilateral cooperation, the presidential press service Akorda reported.

Tokayev noted “with satisfaction” the rapid growth of the Kazakh-Belarusian strategic partnership, particularly in the economic sphere, and welcomed the upcoming opening of the Belarusian Consulate General in Almaty, which he said "aims to expand ties between the regions of the two countries.”

According to the statement, trade between the two countries had increased by 30%, by the end of 2025, reaching $1.2 billion.

The two also emphasized the importance of further deepening cooperation in industry, transport, agriculture, tourism, and other areas, the statement added.

"In May, we are holding a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. I believe that, in addition to the multilateral agenda, we will certainly discuss other issues related to the development of relations between our countries," he said.

Tokayev emphasized the need to maintain “an active, trusting dialogue” and coordinate the implementation of agreements reached.

In response, Ryzhenkov underlined that Belarus appreciates Kazakhstan’s support in all areas of cooperation.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement that Ryzhenkov met with his Kazakh counterpart, Yermek Kosherbayev, following the talks with Tokayev.

The two discussed in detail a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues, as well as the schedule of upcoming mutual visits, the statement said.

Ryzhenkov invited Kosherbayev to pay an official visit to Belarus, the statement added.