Belgium-Luxembourg and Central Asia

Belgium and Luxembourg still think of Central Asia as a largely unknown and distant region, which is only marginally important to their foreign policy interests. Still, today both countries are more interested in Central Asia than they were fifteen years ago, when bilateral contacts were first established. Similarly to several other European Union (EU) member states, especially smaller countries, bilateral relations are mostly limited to economic diplomacy, aimed at securing new trade and investment opportunities. Most other concerns, such as security, energy, democracy and governance issues, are delegated to the EU. Because of its relative economic wealth and more developed administrative capacity, Kazakhstan is considered the most attractive Central Asian partner. In the past few years, Belgium in particular has increased its efforts towards enhancing economic ties with Kazakhstan.

However, trade and investment remain underdeveloped and only involve a handful of companies. Despite Belgium’s relative disinterest in the region, all five Central Asian republics are eager to enhance ties with Europe’s capital country. Belgium is the host country of the main executive and legislative EU institutions, as well as the headquarters of NATO. Thus, it receives a great deal of political attention from Central Asian leaders, who are keen to meet with Belgian officials during their visits to Brussels. All Central Asian states have opened an embassy in Brussels.