26.02.2026
Opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium in Shymkent
26 February 2026, Shymkent – A ceremonial opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium took place in Shymkent. The new diplomatic mission will represent Belgium’s interests in Shymkent, as well as in the Turkestan, Kyzylorda, and Zhambyl regions.
The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Eric De Maeyer, Mayor of Shymkent city Gabyt Syzdykbekov, President of the Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan and President of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan Denis Van den Weghe, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, business community, and the public.
During the ceremony, the Mayor of Shymkent highlighted that the opening of the Honorary Consulate represents an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Belgium, as well as expanding mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation. He noted that Shymkent, as one of Kazakhstan’s three largest cities, has significant industrial, investment, and logistical potential, providing ample opportunities for joint projects with European partners. Developing partnerships with European countries remains one of the city’s priority directions in international cooperation.
At the event, Denis Van den Weghe, President of the Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan, President of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce, and Honorary Consul of Belgium in Almaty and the Almaty region, delivered a speech:
“As President of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to active work in this region. We intend to continue facilitating direct business contacts, organizing trade missions and B2B platforms, as well as supporting the implementation of concrete joint projects between the business communities of our countries.
We are confident that the opening of the Honorary Consulate and the Chamber’s representation will serve as a solid institutional platform for long-term, practical, and results-oriented cooperation.”
The activity of the Honorary Consulate is expected to provide an additional boost to trade and economic relations, attract investment, expand business contacts, and strengthen partnerships between regions of Kazakhstan and the Kingdom of Belgium. The opening of this diplomatic mission reflects the steady growth of bilateral cooperation and confirms the mutual interest of both sides in developing regional and interregional collaboration.
