President Tokayev to address 1st session of Parliament of VIII convocation
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will take the floor at the opening of the first session of the Kazakh Parliament of the VIII convocation, Kazinform learned from the Akorda press office.
Heads of governmental structures, members of the National Kurultay, and public figures were invited to the event.
The President’s speech will be broadcast live on the republican TV channels and via social media on March 29 at 10:00 am.
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev`s speech at the Plenary Session of Astana International Forum
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Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests!
It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to the Astana International Forum. We are joined by friends and colleagues from every continent and from the worlds of government, diplomacy, business, and academia.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our special guests, the Amir of Qatar, the President of Kyrgyzstan, the Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, and other distinguished participants.
We are honored by your personal commitment to come here and join us in what we hope will be a fruitful exchange of views on the current state of global economic affairs and issues of regional cooperation. We believe / this is one way of giving expression to a true sense of international partnership.
As we begin this Forum, let me also extend my sincere appreciations to our strategic partner - the United Nations, and its organizations, including the IMF, UNESCO, UNDP, WTO, ESCAP and other international institutions, as well as our media partner CNN.
Dear Participants,
The Astana International Forum is a dialogue platform with a mission: First, to candidly review the global situation; Second, to identify the leading challenges and crises that confront us; Third, to tackle those challenges through dialogue in a spirit of mutual cooperation; Fourth, to renew and rebuild a common culture of multilateralism; And Fifth, to amplify voices for peace, progress and solidarity. This Forum explicitly promotes greater engagement at a time / when we need it more than ever - a period of unprecedented geopolitical tension. For it to survive, the global system must work for everyone, promoting peace and prosperity for the many / rather than for the few.
Dear Friends,
We are witnessing the process of eroding of very foundation of the world order that has been built since the creation of the United Nations. The UN remains to be the only universal global organization which unites all together. Meanwhile, we will not succeed in tackling these challenges in absence of a comprehensive reform of the Security Council. The voices of Middle Powers in the Council need to be amplified and clearly heard.
A handful of recent ‘new crises’ - from Covid-19 to armed conflicts - threaten our fragile international ecosystem. Yet the roots of this dislocation run deeper into our past.
We are also witnessing the return of earlier divisive ‘bloc’ mentalities unseen for 30 years. The forces of division are not purely geopolitical. They are also motivated by economic undercurrents. Economic policy itself is openly weaponized. These confrontations include sanctions and trade wars, targeted debt policies, reduced access or exclusion from financing, and investment screening.Together these factors are gradually undermining the foundation / upon which rests the global peace and prosperity of recent decades: free trade, global investment, innovation, and fair competition.
This in turn fuels social unrest and division within states and tensions between them. Rising inequality, social divides, widening gaps in culture and values: all these trends have become existential threats. Efforts to reverse this tide are more difficult because of widespread disinformation, which is now becoming even more advanced and dangerous. In parallel, new technologies, from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to biotechnologies, have global implications but are being addressed along narrow, national lines only. Together, these pressures are pushing the globalized world order to a breaking point.
The result is growing mistrust which puts negative impact on functioning of prominent international fora, existing frameworks, security regimes, and non-proliferation mechanisms. Therefore, we face uncertainty, greater instability and conflict. This in turn prompts greater defence spending on advance weaponry, which ultimately guarantees nothing. The proof: for the first time in a half century, we have faced the prospect of the use of nuclear weapons. All this comes at precisely the moment when we urgently need to be focusing on the existential threat of climate change.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The fundamental point is: just as a combination of geopolitical pressures are pushing us apart, we face a clear, strong imperative to come together, to engage, to collaborate, and to align with one another.
At such a time, the Astana International Forum is one of many possible steps to reverse this trend. Only by meeting together, taking counsel together, being mutually honest about our problems, our concerns and our hopes, can the international community address these issues. Only this way can we shape our shared future, and return to the gradual building of a more stable, equitable, and prosperous world for all.
Dear Friends,
Kazakhstan has long been a crossroad between East and West, North and South. In many ways, this Forum is consistent with the culture and history of the great Eurasian steppe. We take pride in this heritage. It is from this continuous exchange of goods, cultures and ideas that Kazakhstan’s unique national identity and its particular brand of multilateralism have emerged.
Despite geopolitical upheavals Kazakhstan keeps serving as an economic engine in and for Central Asia. We continue to attract significant foreign investment and provide exceptional conditions to do business in Kazakhstan.
At the same time, we hope for a sense of mutual responsibility from our foreign partners. This is our basic policy. This in turn creates equal rights and opportunities for small and medium enterprises that are very instrumental for economic development of my country. Last year, Kazakhstan’s exports increased by almost 40 percent. While a significant proportion of our GDP still comes from the energy sector, our drive towards diversification is accelerating. We are seeing growth across diverse sectors like automotive, pharmaceuticals, processed metals, and mechanical engineering. We invite all of you who wish to explore new avenues for business and economic partnership with us.
For example, the Middle Corridor or Trans-Caspian International Transport Route - linking China to the European Union - is opening up new possibilities for trade and investment. The Route will cut almost in half / the time it takes / to transport goods via the Indian Ocean.
I would also like to emphasize the key role of Kazakhstan in the Belt and Road initiative, which promotes economic development and intraregional connectivity. We aim to foster physical connection among the nations and people present here today, but also to nurture bonds between our communities as partners and friends. Given all these factors, we can now say that Kazakhstan is a truly global, and most importantly, reliable trade and economic partner.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My country has always worked hard to contribute to international peace and security. We are strong proponents of nuclear disarmament and commitment to NPT. Our country initiated the Astana peace process to address the Syrian crisis. Our capital became a home to the Summits of leaders of world religions. The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia headquartered in Astana has become a visible mechanism to address regional and global challenges.
For example, we have strongly engaged in tackling the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. I want to underscore the necessity to further increase comprehensive assistance to the Afghan people under UN auspices. In this context, it is important to establish in Almaty a UN Regional Center for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan has worked hard to maintain friendly relations with our global and regional partners. And we are committed to a growing regional cooperation agenda with our brother nations of Central Asia.
Within Kazakhstan, we are making renewed reform efforts to embed principles of justice, rule of law, equality, and fairness. My credo is clearly strong: law and order. This is a solid basis for building "Just and Fair Kazakhstan".
In the very short period of time, we have reformed our institutions, curtailed the powers of the presidency, amended our constitution, reset political and economic systems, fought the corruption. So contemporary Kazakhstan is different from what it was, say, two years ago.
Our path to overhaul the existing system is far from over. We understand that political reforms and investments in human capital can save us from the middle-income trap and make our economy more resilient.
Although meaningful transformation has already taken place, there is still much to be done. But we take courage from understanding that to make a successful journey someone must be ready to overcome plenty of pitfalls. We are ready for it.
Distinguished Guests,
Of all the challenges we face, perhaps the most existential is climate change. Central Asia is one of its front lines. Even if we successfully limit global temperature rise to 1.5 Celsius by 2050 - which looks increasingly unlikely - we will experience between 2 and 2.5 Celsius of temperature rise here in Central Asia. This will transform or, more precisely, desertify and dehydrate our local environments. We must be prepared for greater difficulties. We are really concerned about the scarcity of water resources. Droughts and floods in Central Asia will cause damage of 1.3 percent of GDP per annum, while crop yields are expected to decrease by 30 percent, leading to around 5 million internal climate migrants by 2050.Our glacier surface has already decreased by 30 percent.
The two great rivers of our region - the Syr Darya and Amu Darya - will lose an estimated 15 percent by 2050. To prevent environmental disaster in the region, we urge that more resources to be allocated to support the International Fund to Save the Aral Sea. Water and climate change are closely linked. Central Asia is a region where water security can be achieved only through close cooperation and efficiently tailored joint measures. To discuss these and other climate related issues in the region, I propose to establish a project office of the Central Asian countries in Almaty and to hold a Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under UN and other international organizations’ auspices.
My country could offer tremendous green economy opportunities and finally emerge as a renewable energy hub. However, time is not on our side. To decarbonize and build green economies at the necessary speed, we need resources and partnerships.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our planet’s climate emergency is the clearest example of our interdependence and shared destiny. Whether we like it or not, we are bound together.
Given that reality, those who figure out how to work together / will succeed, and those who don’t / will fail. Multilateralism, centered in the UN’s principles and values, is not merely the most effective way to address this challenge - it is the only path.
These are the principles, the intellectual roots of the Astana International Forum, a space for dialogue to tackle common challenges and move towards cooperation, development and progress.
I am optimistic that constructive discussions in the next two days can begin to move us towards potential solutions and further collaboration. Let me end with a gentle warning. To foster meaningful conversation and cooperation, open-mindedness, tolerance and compromise are required. I wish positive impact for each of you, and for this Forum. Once again, I thank you for joining us today and I wish you fruitful discussion.
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President Tokayev urges to allocate more funds to support International Fund for Saving Aral Sea
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Kazakhstan exerts every effort to support friendly relations with the global and regional partners. We intend to boost regional cooperation with the fraternal countries of Central Asia," the Kazakh President said taking the floor at the Astana International Forum, Kazinform reports.
The President said Kazakhstan takes efforts to carry out reforms to introduce principles o equity, the supremacy of law, equality and justice. In a very short space of time, Kazakhstan reformed its institutions, limited presidential powers, amended the Constitution, rebooted the political and economic systems, and rooted out corruption.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that the water level in the two great rivers of the region, Syrdariya and Amudariya, will decrease by 15% by 2050. To prevent the ecological catastrophe in the region the Head of State urged to allocate more funds to support International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Water problems and climate change are closely related. Central Asia water security may be achieved only through close cooperation and joint efficient measures.
The Head of State suggested building a project office of Central Asia in Almaty and holding a regional climate summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under the aegis of the UN and other international organizations to debate climate-related issues in the region.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Kazakhstan might offer huge green economy opportunities and become a centre of renewable energy. To decarbonize and build a green economy at the desired rate we need resources and partnerships.
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Kazakh President outlines Astana International Forum's mission
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The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, outlined the goals and tasks of the Astana International Forum, Kazinform reports.
Addressing those gathered the President expressed sincere gratitude to special guests - the Emir of Qatar, the President of Kyrgyzstan, the Head of the Presidium of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, and other distinguished participants.
The Head of State said the Astana International Forum is a dialogue platform. Its mission is to debate the global situation, outline the key challenges and crises facing the world, fend off challenges through dialogue in the spirit of mutual cooperation, restore and renew the common culture of multilateral relations, and amplify voices in support of peace, progress, and solidarity.
The President noted the forum contributes to more active cooperation amid unprecedented geopolitical tensions.
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Tamara Duissenova named as Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the decree appointing Tamara Duissenova as the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazinform has learned from the Akorda press service.
Born in 1965, Minister Duissenova is a graduate of the Tashkent Economy Institute. Throughout her career she served as the deputy governor of South Kazakhstan region, Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Minister of Healthcare and Social Development.
She also was the assistant to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan between 2020-2022.
In April 2022 she took up the post of the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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Alikhan Smailov takes part in Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting in Sochi
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Topical issues of interstate cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union were discussed at the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting in Sochi (Russian Federation) with the participation of the Armenian Prime Minister Nikolay Pashinyan, the Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, the Kazakhstan Prime Minister Alikhan Smalov, the Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov, and the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, primeminister.kz reports.
The parties discussed a wide range of issues, including the implementation of the first package of measures in the framework of the climate agenda, further development of an integrated information system and strengthening of the digital cooperation in general, steps to form a common electricity market, as well as work on the implementation of the Strategic directions of Eurasian economic integration until 2025.
In addition, they considered the results of negotiations on a free trade agreement with Iran and a number of other relevant topics.
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Tokayev holds meeting with Qatari delegation led by Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
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Welcoming Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude for participation in the work of the Astana International Forum, leading a delegation of government and business officials of Qatar, Kazinform cites Akorda.
The Kazakh President stressed that Qatar is an important and reliable partner of Kazakhstan in the Middle East, and expressed confidence that today’s talks will give a new impetus to the further development of cooperation between the two countries.
We’re to mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Certainly, it is a major milestone. Over this period, we’ve established effective interstate cooperation and constructive political dialogue. Last year, you were in Astana for a state visit. Recently, the Kazakh Prime Minister paid a visit to Qatar. All of this serves as a strong indication of traditional friendship and strong partnership. You personally make a great contribution to the deepening of ties between the countries. I highly appreciate it and is ready to make every effort to further strengthen Kazakh-Qatari relations together with you. On our part, we’re ready to provide all necessary support for Qatari investors," said the Kazakh President.
As the Kazakh Head of State said, Kazakhstan is willing to increase its exports of around 60 products to Qatar by $250 million. He stressed the importance of opening direct flights between the countries to intensify business contacts.
For his part, Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani thanked the Kazakh leader for hospitality and warm welcome.
I with pressure accepted the invitation to take part in the Astana International Forum to visit Kazakhstan again. It is a great honor for me. I’m glad to see you again after my visit to Astana last October. It’s a good opportunity to discuss the realization of agreements reached with brotherly Kazakhstan during last year’s talks. A huge delegation including business officials arrived with me from Qatar. I believe that this will pave the way to successful cooperation between our countries. The bilateral cooperation develops dynamically in different areas. We intend to expand cooperation in all other areas," said the Qatari Amir.
During the meeting, the Heads of State discussed prospects for realizing joint projects in oil and gas, mining and metallurgical, agricultural, financial, and medical spheres. Issues of mutually beneficial cooperation within international organizations were discussed as well.
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President Tokayev meets with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked Helga Schmid for her participation in the Astana International Forum. As President Tokayev noted, this new platform is aimed at strengthening ties between the West and the East, Presidential press service reports.
I think that OSCE represented by you at this forum will put great contribution to finding solutions to so many problems that unfortunately do exist in the contemporary world. For Kazakhstan, the OSCE is a priority. We are very much concerned by the dividing lines that still do exist in the Organization. Since the Summit, which took place here in Astana in 2010, there are no official documents passed, either at ministerial level or in some other formats. Of course, it is a matter of concern for us. We still strongly believe that we need to have strong ties of cooperation within the Organization," the President said.
As Kazakh leader noted, Kazakhstan is an active participant of the OSCE. President reaffirmed our country's commitment to continue close cooperation with the OSCE in a spirit of mutually beneficial partnership and transparency, and to provide full support to Helga Schmid as Secretary General of the organization.
In turn, Helga Schmid expressed her gratitude to President Tokayev for the invitation to the Astana International Forum.
You are absolutely right. I think these are challenging times. The OSCE continues to be a unique platform for dialogue despite all the challenges we are facing. I would also very much commend Kazakhstan`s very active role in the OSCE. You mentioned the Astana Summit. I personally had the pleasure to be participating in this summit. You are right, it is the last summit we have had. The Astana commemorative declaration really remains a very important document when it comes to the organization. I am also very much looking forward to listening to you in the Astana Forum. I think it is now more than ever important to listen to each other to bring everyone together. This is also the key objective of the OSCE," the Head of the OSCE noted.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the current state and the prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and the OSCE. They also talked about crucial issues on the regional and global agenda.
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