EU-Kazakhstan Talks in Brussels: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met EU leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, with both sides signing agreements to deepen cooperation on trade, energy, connectivity and critical raw materials, including Middle Corridor steps and aviation/visa progress. AI and Science Partnerships: Kazakhstan and Belgium signed deals on AI, science and space tech, including a memorandum linking East Kazakhstan Technical University, KU Leuven and Astana Hub to use AI for sustainable metals and critical minerals. Middle Corridor Deals: Kazakhstan and European partners unveiled transport agreements worth $462m to boost the Trans-Caspian route via rail, ports, terminals and logistics digitalisation. Netherlands Investment Push: The Netherlands remains a top investor in Kazakhstan, with Dutch investment cited at $125bn; Kazakhstan and the Netherlands also signed €160m agri-food and logistics cooperation at GreenTech Amsterdam. China Ties: PM Olzhas Bektenov met China’s Li Qiang in Dalian, highlighting record trade ($48bn+ by end-2025) and expanding cooperation in energy, minerals, transport and AI/digital economy. Regional Border and Land Moves: Kyrgyzstan proposed a land exchange with Kazakhstan to build a 150km paid highway near the border, and reported village transfers tied to border demarcation. Business and Economy: Kazakhstan’s domestic trade grew 5.6% in Jan–May, while Chevron reported modest gains as it highlighted production growth and Kazakhstan-linked energy projects.