Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined a new stage in Kazakhstan's political development, as well as the country's foreign policy position in the changing global environment, reaffirming the commitment to balanced, pragmatic and national interest-led diplomacy. He also emphasized the priorities in economic integration, food security and the strategic importance of digitalization and artificial intelligence for national competitiveness. This happened at this year's meeting of the National Kurultai (hereinafter referred to as the Kurultai). It was held on January 20 in the city of Kyzylorda.
Foreign Policy in a Changing Global Environment
President Tokayev noted that international relations are undergoing profound changes, characterized by a decline in trust, erosion of international law, and increasing global militarization.
In this context, Kazakhstan's foreign policy must remain balanced, cautious, and firmly based on national interests.
He emphasized that diplomatic decisions have long-term consequences and should be made with professionalism and restraint. “In general, in diplomacy, the price of a wrong decision is so high that it can cause irreparable harm to the long-term interests of the state. We know this from our own experience. If in the economy a program or concept can be replaced with other program documents, which, unfortunately, often happens in our country, then signatures in international treaties are not subject to cancellation. What is written with a pen cannot be cut down with an ax.“
According to him, diplomacy should serve as a tool for compromise, and not for confrontation, affirming the role of Kazakhstan as a predictable and responsible international partner.
“Our country should rely on the values that unite all of humanity. We advocate peace between representatives of different peoples and religions. That is why joining this Agreement is of particular importance and will contribute to increasing the international authority of our country,“ he said.
Kazakhstan is a responsible middle power and is the largest state in the Islamic community in terms of territory. We are on the side of common sense and justice and will always be guided by this policy. All our foreign policy actions are subordinated to one main goal - ensuring the territorial integrity, security and sovereignty of Kazakhstan. For me, the head of the Kazakh state, independence is above all! This is not an anniversary slogan, but a fundamental principle of the national strategy in this restless world. I have said many times: independence is above all national unity and understanding. It is important for us to strengthen the cohesion of the people, to show strategic restraint and wisdom, while clearly seeing before us the main goal of building a prosperous, authoritative, strong state.
Human rights, the rule of law and civic responsibility
Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to building a rule of law state, emphasizing that legal reform must go hand in hand with strengthening civic responsibility and national self-awareness.
He highlighted the importance of the 2022 constitutional reforms, including the establishment of a Constitutional Court, cassation courts and granting constitutional status to the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman), as key steps to strengthen the protection of citizens' rights.
Reforms in administrative justice and judicial procedures have improved opportunities citizens and entrepreneurs to defend their legitimate interests in court.
Tokayev emphasized that the principle “Law and Order“ applies equally to all.
“We cannot allow any political adventurers to undermine the core values of our nation, to direct young people down the wrong path of newfangled “alternative“ moral values. I am sure that everyone understands what I am talking about. The state is obliged to preserve traditional cultural values, to counteract the propaganda of destructive and, if we call things by their true names, immoral models of behavior. In our society, the institution of marriage must be legislatively strengthened as a voluntary union between a man and a woman, officially certified by a state institution. But at the same time, in no case should criminal prosecution, moral discrimination for beliefs that differ from the official, state position on moral issues be allowed. And the state's position can be reduced to the formula: “Every citizen has the right to choose, but no one has the right to impose this choice“. "Our state will firmly defend the rights and freedoms, honor and dignity of all citizens," he said.
Tokayev reaffirmed the state's obligation to protect the rights, freedoms, dignity and security of all citizens.