ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the importance of foreign policy as a driver of Kazakhstan’s future progress in his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 8 during a joint session of the parliament’s chambers.
Photo credit: Akorda
At the opening of his speech, President Tokayev noted that the world has entered a new era marked by growing contradictions between major powers, intensifying wars and nationalism, deepening economic inequality, and the erosion of international law. He warned that the role of the UN is declining, while environmental disasters, migration crises, and trafficking in people, weapons, and drugs are on the rise. New threats, including artificial intelligence-based weapons, signal the formation of a new world order.
In response to these global shifts, Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan’s balanced and constructive foreign policy must serve as both a safeguard of national interests and a driver of long-term stability and growth.
“I am convinced that a balanced and constructive foreign policy, firmly aligned with our nation’s strategic interests, will bring significant benefits to Kazakhstan’s sustainable social and economic development in the era of digitalization and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Deepening partnerships across regions
Tokayev highlighted that the willingness of many countries to pursue friendly relations and cooperation with Kazakhstan reflects the nation’s growing authority and prominence on the international stage. He emphasized that Kazakhstan contributes to addressing urgent global challenges and remains committed to constructive engagement with all partners, from immediate neighbors to nations far beyond the region.
“Just recently, I paid an official visit to China, where we held fruitful discussions across the full spectrum of our bilateral relations, guided by the spirit of our enduring strategic partnership. My visits to Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan were also successful. Later this year, I will travel to Russia and Uzbekistan, while Astana will host the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkmenistan. In addition, we are preparing for meetings with a number of Asian and European heads of state,” he said.
“Our dialogue with the United States continues to advance, and we are deepening our multifaceted engagement with the European Union,” he added.
Reforming the UN
Turning to the role of international institutions, Tokayev emphasized the enduring importance of the UN, describing it as the institutional embodiment of the lessons of World War II and an irreplaceable platform for addressing today’s global challenges. He stressed that the UN must remain the principal arena for fair negotiations and the resolution of pressing international issues, while also noting the urgent need for reform, particularly within the Security Council.
Tokayev announced that he will present Kazakhstan’s vision of the international situation, along with proposals for UN reform, at the forthcoming anniversary session of the General Assembly in New York.
Lessons of history and the pursuit of peace
Tokayev also highlighted the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, stressing that commemorations in Moscow and Beijing honored the millions who perished while serving as a reminder of the dangers of distorting history or reigniting global conflicts.
“To achieve lasting peace and universal progress, compromise must prevail. As the saying goes, ‘better a bad peace than a good war.’ In this spirit, Kazakhstan welcomed the results of the recent United States–Russia summit in Alaska, as well as the signing of the peace declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington, mediated by President Donald Trump,” he said.
