Kazakhstan–Netherlands relations refer to the bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands. The Netherlands has an embassy in Astana.[1] Kazakhstan has an embassy in The Hague.[2]
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Diplomatic relations began on September 10, 1992.[3] In 1996, both countries signed an agreement to ensure fair taxation practices between them.[4] Also, in 2002, both countries signed a bilateral investment treaty to encourage foreign trade.
In 2014, Astanaplein (Astana Square) was announced in Rotterdam, after Nursultan Nazarbayev visited the Netherlands, which opened in 2015.[5] When Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Kazakhstan in May 2024, he took part in the opening ceremony of Amsterdam Square, in Astana.[6]
There is significant trade between the two countries in agriculture, oil, chemicals and machinery sectors.[7]
The Netherlands is the largest source of foreign direct investment into Kazakhstan.[8] $90.4 billion of foreign direct investment was directed from the Netherlands to Kazakhstan from 1991 till 2019.[9] Dutch companies invested $7.3 billion into the economy of Kazakhstan in 2019 accounting for 30.2% of total FDI that year and remaining the biggest investors in Kazakhstan.[10]
A bilateral investment treaty signed in 2002 establishes a framework for fair and equitable treatment of respective investments and capital so to encourage foreign direct investment and trade.[11]
In March 2014, Nursultan Nazarbayev visited the Netherlands, to participate in the 3rd Nuclear Security Summit.
In 2015, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte met with Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana, Kazakhstan and affirmed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Kazakhstan.[12] He visited the city again in 2024, to discuss expanding ties in areas like agriculture, renewable energy, and water management.[13]