Tashkent to become Belgium’s new diplomatic point in the region
Political
Belgium has announced plans to open an embassy in Tashkent, viewing Central Asia as a strategically important and rapidly developing region where Brussels intends to strengthen its political and economic presence.
Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it intends to expand its diplomatic network in Central Asia by opening a new embassy in Uzbekistan.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot noted that Central Asia is becoming a key direction of Belgium’s foreign policy. According to him, the region offers significant strategic opportunities, particularly due to the development of the Trans-Caspian Corridor and its geopolitical position.
“This is a rapidly growing region where Belgium must more firmly assert its positions,” Prévot said. He emphasized the region’s potential and its location bordering China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran and Afghanistan.
Prévot described the decision to open the embassy in Tashkent as a strategic investment: “This is an investment in the future of a region that will undergo rapid development in the coming decade. Many foreign powers have already realized this and are investing heavily. That is why we are opening an embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.”
Currently, Belgium maintains an embassy in Kazakhstan and honorary consulates in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Overall, Belgium plans to open five new diplomatic missions, close eight, and strengthen about 20 existing ones in Europe, Africa, South America and the Middle East. The restructuring will take place gradually in 2026–2027.
“Belgium already has an extensive diplomatic infrastructure worldwide. Our goal is to optimize it and strengthen our presence where our interests are at stake and where our engagement yields the greatest results,” Prévot stated.
The opening of an embassy in Tashkent reflects a broader shift in Belgium’s diplomatic strategy and highlights growing interest in the Central Asian region.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot noted that Central Asia is becoming a key direction of Belgium’s foreign policy. According to him, the region offers significant strategic opportunities, particularly due to the development of the Trans-Caspian Corridor and its geopolitical position.
“This is a rapidly growing region where Belgium must more firmly assert its positions,” Prévot said. He emphasized the region’s potential and its location bordering China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran and Afghanistan.
Prévot described the decision to open the embassy in Tashkent as a strategic investment: “This is an investment in the future of a region that will undergo rapid development in the coming decade. Many foreign powers have already realized this and are investing heavily. That is why we are opening an embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.”
Currently, Belgium maintains an embassy in Kazakhstan and honorary consulates in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Overall, Belgium plans to open five new diplomatic missions, close eight, and strengthen about 20 existing ones in Europe, Africa, South America and the Middle East. The restructuring will take place gradually in 2026–2027.
“Belgium already has an extensive diplomatic infrastructure worldwide. Our goal is to optimize it and strengthen our presence where our interests are at stake and where our engagement yields the greatest results,” Prévot stated.
The opening of an embassy in Tashkent reflects a broader shift in Belgium’s diplomatic strategy and highlights growing interest in the Central Asian region.
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