Kazakhstan’s Continues to Adhere to Balanced Foreign Policy, Says President Tokayev During His Visit to Shymkent

President Tokayev said during his visit to Shymkent on Sept. 27 that in internal affairs, Kazakhstan’s top priorities are unity and harmony. Photo credit: Akorda press service. 

According to Tokayev, the country will develop “allied relations with Russia, the eternal strategic partnership with China and the strategic partnership with the United States, comprehensive cooperation with the fraternal Central Asian states, namely with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, as well as with Türkiye.”

“In addition to the development of mutually beneficial ties with all interested states around the world, whether in Asia, the Middle East or the European continent. I am certain that such a foreign policy is in the interest of our nation,” Tokayev said. 

In his address, the President highlighted that Kazakhstan’s interests are at the center of the country’s efforts on the international arena.

“We will fight for the supremacy of international law and the UN Charter. Strengthening the principles of justice in international relations, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state are of paramount importance for us,” he said. 

Tokayev also stressed that in a challenging geopolitical context when the situation is exacerbated by the sanctions and the looming confrontation between the major powers, it is critical to maintain the people’s unity.

“Our unity is the source of prosperity. These are profoundly meaningful words. Prosperity is synonymous with economics, whereas unity is connected with politics. We will only be able to thrive and progress if we can maintain peace in the country. We do not need external enemies or internal strife,” Tokayev said. 

During his visit to Turkistan on 27 September, President Tokayev said that Kazakhstan favors neutrality in the current geopolitical situation and encouraged citizens to adhere to the nation’s values of unity and tolerance to preserve peace in the region.