International

Belgian Royal Visit Signals Central Asia’s Growing Importance to Europe, Expert Says

By Assel Satubaldina on 13 October 2026

ASTANA – The first state visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to Kazakhstan reflects growing European interest in Central Asia, where expanding transport links, critical minerals and new economic opportunities are drawing greater diplomatic attention. Fabienne Bossuyt, an associate professor at Ghent University specializing in EU relations with...