Astana has just hosted a visit that may quietly reshape Kazakhstan’s European vector.
On February 26–27, 2026, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić arrived in Kazakhstan at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, DKNews.kz reports.
The visit coincided with an important milestone — 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
But this was more than an anniversary handshake.
Behind the ceremonial statements lies a pragmatic agenda — trade corridors, direct flights, artificial intelligence, green transition, and even biological security. Here’s what was agreed — and why it matters beyond protocol.
30 Years of Diplomatic Relations — A New Phase?
Tokayev and Vučić emphasized that bilateral ties are built on “genuine friendship and mutual respect.” Diplomatic language, yes — but the subtext is strategic.
Over three decades, Kazakhstan and Serbia have maintained stable relations without major political friction. Now, both sides signal readiness to diversify cooperation in a more structured and economically ambitious way.
Importantly, the leaders agreed to maintain regular high-level dialogue — a sign that relations are entering a more dynamic phase rather than remaining symbolic.
Kosovo, Sovereignty, and Political Signals
One of the key political messages came from the Serbian side, which highly valued Kazakhstan’s support for Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly regarding Kosovo and Metohija.
Astana reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter and international law principles — a consistent position in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy.
In diplomatic terms, such statements strengthen mutual political trust — a foundation that makes economic cooperation easier.
Trade, AI, Agriculture and Energy: A Practical Agenda
The leaders welcomed the positive growth trend in bilateral trade, but clearly want more.
Key sectors identified for expansion include:
-
Energy
-
Transport and logistics
-
Agriculture
-
Construction
-
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
-
Digital development and artificial intelligence
Interestingly, both sides noted successful cooperation in seed production — a niche but strategically important agricultural area.
The message is clear: move from potential to measurable results.
Free Trade and the Eurasian Dimension
A significant element of the relationship is Serbia’s Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, signed in 2019.
This gives Serbian companies preferential access to the EAEU market — including Kazakhstan — and vice versa.
For Serbia, Kazakhstan can serve as a gateway to Central Asia.
For Kazakhstan, Serbia is a bridge to the Balkans and broader European markets.
In an era of shifting trade routes, such positioning matters.
Direct Flights: Small Detail, Big Symbol
One of the most tangible developments: the launch of direct flights between Astana and Belgrade.
Beyond tourism, direct air connectivity simplifies business contacts, academic exchanges, and investment missions. Experience shows that when flights begin, economic interaction often accelerates.
Connectivity is diplomacy in motion.
Transport Corridors and the Middle Route
The presidents highlighted Kazakhstan’s key role in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) — often referred to as the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe.
Serbia expressed readiness to explore participation in its development.
In the current geopolitical landscape, alternative trade routes between Asia and Europe are becoming increasingly important. Serbia’s interest in TITR suggests that the Balkans are watching Central Asia’s transit potential closely.
EXPO 2027 and Green Agenda
Kazakhstan confirmed its intention to participate actively in EXPO 2027, which Belgrade will host. International exhibitions are not just cultural events — they are platforms for investment diplomacy.
Another major point: the upcoming Regional Ecological Summit in Kazakhstan in April 2026, organized with UN partnership. Climate transition and green economy development are moving higher on both countries’ agendas.
Serbia also supported Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish a UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty — a move that strengthens Astana’s multilateral profile.
Religion, Dialogue and Biological Security
The leaders also touched on softer — but no less strategic — issues:
-
Continued support for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana
-
Joint efforts to promote the initiative to establish an International Agency for Biological Security
These topics reinforce Kazakhstan’s positioning as a platform for dialogue — religious, ecological, and global security-related.
Why This Visit Matters
At first glance, Kazakhstan and Serbia may seem geographically distant partners.
But in reality:
-
Kazakhstan is strengthening its European outreach.
-
Serbia is diversifying beyond traditional economic partners.
-
Both are mid-sized states seeking multi-vector diplomacy in a fragmented world.
The visit signals that bilateral relations are evolving from friendly diplomacy to structured cooperation with concrete sectors, logistics integration, and multilateral coordination.
Thirty years after establishing diplomatic ties, Astana and Belgrade appear ready to move from symbolic partnership to pragmatic alignment.
And in today’s geopolitical environment, pragmatism is often the most valuable currency.
