Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said Thursday that Serbia is a close and reliable partner on the Balkan Peninsula, highlighting growing trade ties as he welcomed Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to Astana for a two-day visit.
Bektenov said trade turnover between the two countries increased by 7.6% in 2025 compared with the previous year, surpassing $107 million.
“Friendly relations based on respect, trust and mutually beneficial partnership have been established between our two countries,” Bektenov said in a post on Instagram after receiving Vučić at the airport.
The visit comes as both countries seek to strengthen economic cooperation and expand political dialogue. Officials did not immediately provide details of new agreements expected to be signed during the trip.
Serbia has been working to diversify its economic partnerships beyond the European Union, while Kazakhstan has sought to deepen ties with countries in Southeast Europe as part of its broader foreign policy strategy.
Vučić thanked Bektenov for the warm welcome earlier on Wednesday, according to Serbian state news agency Tanjug.