Astana’s experience has become relevant to Belgrade. Ahead of the EXPO-2027 International Specialized Exhibition, Serbia is discussing with Kazakhstan how exhibition infrastructure can be effectively used after the event ends, DKNews.kz reports.
The issue became one of the key topics during the working visit of Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, to Belgrade.
Belgrade Is Interested in What Happens to EXPO Facilities Afterwards
Kuantyrov discussed Kazakhstan’s participation in EXPO-2027 with Jagoda Lazarević, Serbia’s Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade and Commissioner General of the exhibition.
The sides placed particular emphasis on Astana’s experience in using infrastructure built for EXPO-2017 after the international exhibition concluded.
For any host country, this is one of the most practical questions surrounding an EXPO: major investments in pavilions and infrastructure need to remain useful after visitors leave.
This is where Kazakhstan’s experience has become particularly relevant for Belgrade.
Kazakhstan Is Preparing for EXPO-2027 in Belgrade
Kazakhstan’s participation in the upcoming specialized exhibition formed a separate part of the bilateral agenda.
Although the specific format of Kazakhstan’s participation has not yet been disclosed, Astana and Belgrade are already discussing organizational issues.
EXPO may also serve as a platform for broader economic cooperation.
Lazarević noted Kazakhstan’s dynamic transformation into a regional logistics hub and its growing role as a global bridge between Europe and Asia.
Presidential Agreements Move Into Practical Implementation
Kuantyrov’s visit focused on implementing agreements reached at the highest level.
These include the outcomes of the President of Kazakhstan’s official visit to Serbia in 2024 and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s visit to Astana in February 2026.
During talks with Ivica Dačić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs of Serbia, the sides reviewed the implementation of the protocol of the fourth meeting of the Kazakhstan-Serbia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.
They also discussed the substance of the commission’s next meeting.
Nuclear Industry, Space and AI Enter the Economic Agenda
The talks showed that potential areas of cooperation now extend well beyond conventional trade.
During a meeting with Nenad Popović, Serbia’s Minister without Portfolio responsible for international economic cooperation, the sides identified prospects in the nuclear industry and seed production.
Higher education, space technologies, digitalization and artificial intelligence were also included in the list.
No specific projects or investment volumes have been announced so far. Belgrade reaffirmed its course toward deeper economic cooperation with Kazakhstan.
Businesses From the Two Countries Seek More Direct Links
The economic agenda continued during meetings with the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and representatives of the Kazakhstan-Serbia Business Council.
The main topic was expanding direct contacts between companies from the two countries.
The practical goal is to move interstate agreements into business-level cooperation through trade, partnerships and joint projects.
Kazakhstan and Serbia Mark 30 Years of Diplomatic Relations
In 2026, Kazakhstan and Serbia are marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
During talks with Damjan Jović, State Secretary at the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the sides exchanged views on regional and international issues and confirmed their readiness to continue mutual support on international platforms.
The Serbian side also expressed appreciation for Kazakhstan’s principled support for Serbia’s territorial integrity.
One of the nearest practical tests of the bilateral agenda will be EXPO-2027 in Belgrade: Kazakhstan is expected not only to present itself at the exhibition, but also to share its experience of how EXPO infrastructure can continue to serve a city after the pavilions close.
