President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the International Forum, which emphasized the Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, according to information from Akorda.
Tokayev began his speech by congratulating the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov and President Serdar Berdymukhamedov on this important anniversary, noting the significance of Turkmenistan's neutrality for ensuring stability in Eurasia.
He emphasized that the proposals voiced at the forum should demonstrate the relevance and positive significance of neutrality in the 21st century.
The President of Kazakhstan highlighted that Turkmenistan's neutrality organically fits into the cultural traditions and spiritual values of this people.
“As the outstanding thinker and founder of Turkmen classical literature Makhtumkuli Fragi said, ‘where there is peace, the state strengthens; where there is justice, trust grows.’ The ideas of this humanist represent a unique concept that remains relevant in the current international conditions,” noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The head of state also emphasized the importance of Ashgabat's initiative to proclaim the International Year of Peace and Trust, supported by the UN General Assembly. He reported that Kazakhstan joined this resolution, as peace and trust are the foundation of the country's foreign policy strategy.
“Despite some successes in resolving individual conflicts, the global situation remains tense. There is a lack of such important factors as trust, tolerance, and understanding the importance of peace for sustainable development. It should also be noted the deterioration of international law and the decline in the authority of multilateral institutions, including the UN. Without restoring strategic balance and creating a just world order, international stability may remain only a wish. Therefore, Kazakhstan advocates for UN reform, including the expansion of the Security Council and strengthening the role of the General Assembly. Within the framework of the 80th session of the General Assembly, I proposed to create a ‘group of like-minded individuals’ to develop specific proposals for reforming the UN system,” added Tokayev.
He believes that key powers must show political will and call on UN member states for a large-scale dialogue. Kazakhstan supports the initiative voiced by the head of Turkmenistan to create a UN University for Peace and Neutrality.
“It is now becoming clear that a just world order can only be achieved by abandoning narratives of global confrontation and nuclear war, as well as by transitioning from militaristic rhetoric to the language of peace and cooperation. In this regard, Kazakhstan welcomes the activation of negotiations regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Following the meeting of the presidents of Russia and the USA in Anchorage, key provisions of the peace pact are actively being discussed, creating opportunities for achieving peace,” he noted.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also expressed support for conflict resolution in other regions.
“We welcome the signing of the agreement on the Middle East. Kazakhstan has decided to join the Abraham Accords, driven by the desire to contribute to stability in this region. We also support the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state as a key element in resolving the protracted crisis. The signing of the Joint Declaration on Peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is of historical significance and opens prospects for cooperation in this region. We hope for the swift conclusion of a peace treaty that will ensure stability in the South Caucasus,” he added.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes it is important to continue assistance to Afghanistan to ensure regional security.
“The Regional UN Center for Sustainable Development Goals established in Almaty should become an important platform for coordinating cooperation in this direction. The meeting on interaction and confidence-building measures in Asia also plays a crucial role in ensuring stability and security. We thank our partners for supporting the work of this forum, including transforming the SCO into a full-fledged international institution,” he noted.
The President of Kazakhstan emphasizes the importance of interfaith, interethnic, and intercultural dialogue. He reminded that Kazakhstan has been holding congresses of leaders of world and traditional religions for over twenty years.
“At the VIII Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan proposed the initiative ‘Movement for Peace,’ which calls for the cessation of military violence and the search for peaceful solutions, taking into account the collective responsibility to future generations. Kazakhstan will actively participate in the work of the SCO, an authoritative Eurasian organization with a multilateral agenda covering security issues. Sustainable socio-economic development is a key condition for global progress and stability. The world economy faces serious challenges due to geopolitical tensions, international sanctions, and other factors. However, Central Asia demonstrates steady growth, and for example, this year Kazakhstan's economic growth will exceed 6%, with GDP exceeding 300 billion dollars,” noted Tokayev.
The President also drew attention to the enhancement of the transit and transport potential of Central Asian countries, which will help strengthen ties between the East and West, North and South. He reported on the significance of developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and modernizing transport infrastructure to create a ‘seamless’ system. Kazakhstan is actively involved in developing a strategy for the transport system of Central Asia.
Tokayev emphasized the need to ensure water security.
“In the context of increasing water scarcity, its rational use has become a vital priority for our country and other states in the region. Issues of transboundary water use and the ecological condition of the Aral and Caspian Seas require urgent solutions. We can enhance the effectiveness of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea through joint efforts and invite Russia to become an observer in this Fund. As for the Caspian Sea, its shallowing could have irreversible consequences, causing ecological, socio-economic, and political problems. Kazakhstan has proposed developing an Intergovernmental Program to prevent the destruction of the ecosystem and shallowing of the Caspian Sea and calls on the world community to support this initiative,” he stated.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that the development of global water diplomacy requires interstate coordination.
“There is no specialized structure within the UN focused on water issues. Kazakhstan proposes creating an International Water Organization to consolidate the mandates of various UN organizations. An optimal option could be transforming UN-Water into a full-fledged specialized agency. The implementation of this initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the interests of the entire international community. In April next year, a Regional Environmental Summit will be held in Astana, where Kazakhstan intends to launch the process of international consultations on the creation of a global water organization. I am confident that with common political will, we can systematically address critically important water management issues,” noted the head of state.
In conclusion of his speech, Tokayev expressed hope that the forum in Ashgabat would serve as an impetus for strengthening partnerships among interested states and influence international efforts to create a just world order based on trust.
At the forum, the presidents of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdymukhamedov, Russia Vladimir Putin, Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan, Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid, Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, São Tomé and Príncipe Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Myanmar Nyo So, and Prime Minister of Eswatini Russell Dlamini also spoke.
