News & Events in Belarus

Lukashenko: Kazakhstan is highly interesting partner, friendly country for Belarus

MINSK, 1 October (BelTA) – Kazakhstan is a highly interesting partner and a friendly country for Belarus, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during a meeting with Kazakhstani Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in Minsk on 1 October, BelTA has learned.

“You know Belarus and our capabilities very well. I want to emphasize once again, as I have already stated publicly: Kazakhstan is a highly interesting partner and a friendly country for us. If anything in Belarus catches your attention in terms of mechanical engineering – which is essential for Kazakhstan, just as it is for Belarus – agricultural development, high technologies, or other fields, there are no off-limits topics. We are more than happy to work with you. Moreover, relations between our nations go back a long way and remain very strong. Under the current president, they have not deteriorated, but, on the contrary, improved,” the Belarusian leader stated.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that his Kazakhstani counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev places high importance on fostering relations with Belarus. “I am very pleased with this. We often discuss improving our relations in terms of linking our economies. This is very important since you are currently in charge of Kazakhstan’s economic agenda,” the president noted. “You have developed good relations with our prime minister. He constantly tells me about your contacts. I am very glad, satisfied with this, and ready to step in on any matter to advance our relations.”

The president also emphasized that the peoples of Belarus and Kazakhstan share a common history: “You should know that you have not come to strangers. Belarusians are your close friends. To put it simply, we are bound by blood. This is because many Kazakhs defended Belarus during the Great Patriotic War and achieved glory here. We value this and have not forgotten anyone.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko wished Olzhas Bektenov success throughout his stay in Belarus and during his joint meetings with international counterparts.

The official visit of the Kazakhstani prime minister to Belarus is taking place on 1–2 October. The visit is combined with participation in the events of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and the INNOPROM. Belarus expo.

In 2025, trade between Belarus and Kazakhstan amounted to $1.38 billion, increasing by nearly 24% compared to 2024. Belarusian exports reached $1.08 billion. Following the results of January–July 2026, the countries have already surpassed over $0.8 billion in trade, marking a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Trade in services also showed robust growth. In 2025, the figure hit $470.5 million, up nearly 6% year-on-year. Furthermore, in January-July 2026, trade in services has already reached nearly $382 million, surging by 54.1% compared to the corresponding period of 2025.

Investment cooperation between Belarus and Kazakhstan is also on the rise. In 2025, Kazakhstan’s investments into the Belarusian economy surpassed $69 million (a 2.2-fold increase), with $26.6 million coming as direct investment. The upward trend accelerated in H1 2026, reaching $104.8 million (a 6.2-fold surge), including $52.7 million in FDI.

The distribution network of Belarusian manufacturers in Kazakhstan features more than 40 companies backed by Belarusian capital, alongside over 170 dealerships. Furthermore, 7 joint assembly facilities for Belarusian machinery and equipment are successfully operating in the country.