Kazakhstan supports the activation of the negotiation process regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
This topic was raised by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, which took place in Ashgabat. According to him, after the meeting of the presidents of Russia and the USA in Anchorage, key points of the peace pact are actively being discussed, which could become an important step towards achieving the long-awaited peace. He also touched upon the issues of reforming the UN.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev landed at the airport, designed in the shape of a giant bird, in Ashgabat around midnight, where he was greeted by children in warm outfits, as the temperature reached +9 degrees.
At the airport, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was already waiting for him. After a brief conversation with the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, a meeting took place with the President of Turkmenistan. Berdimuhamedov Jr. conveyed through his colleague best wishes to the people of Kazakhstan, emphasizing the fraternal relations between the countries.
The Forum of Peace and Trust gathered more than a dozen respected leaders, and Ashgabat ensured their safety, as evidenced by the large number of guards accompanying the presidents. Traditionally, before the meeting, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Monument of Neutrality, the tallest building in Turkmenistan.
All details of the protocol were carefully thought out, and the meetings of the high-ranking guests were scheduled down to the smallest detail.
At the beginning of his speech, Tokayev congratulated the national leader and the President of Turkmenistan on the anniversary of the country's neutrality. He emphasized the need for UN reform, noting that despite some successes in conflict resolution, the global situation remains extremely tense. The lack of mutual trust and tolerance has become evident.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- It is with regret that we must note the decline in the authority of international law and its replacement by certain rules, as well as the decrease in the effectiveness of multilateral institutions, primarily the UN. Without restoring the strategic balance and building a just world order, international stability will remain only a good wish in the resolutions of multilateral forums. Therefore, Kazakhstan advocates for UN reform, including the expansion of the Security Council and strengthening the role of the General Assembly.
At the 80th session of the General Assembly, Tokayev proposed creating a "group of like-minded individuals" with specific initiatives, including regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- Kazakhstan supports the activation of negotiations on the conflict in Ukraine. After the meeting of the presidents of Russia and the USA in Anchorage, key provisions of the peace pact are being discussed, which could be a step towards establishing the long-awaited peace.
The geopolitical situation is facilitating the movement of international cargo to the east, and Kazakhstan, due to its strategic location, is benefiting from this. The Middle Corridor now takes on a large portion of cargo transportation from China to Europe. A Kazakhstan-China transport and logistics center has opened in Xi'an, and new railway routes are actively being constructed. Kazakhstan is doing everything possible to simplify logistics for carriers. Issues of water security, particularly the situation in the Caspian Sea, were also discussed. Tokayev proposed creating an International Water Organization within the UN to address important water agenda issues on a systematic basis.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
– There is no specialized structure within the UN focused exclusively on water issues. Kazakhstan proposes creating such an organization that could consolidate all mandates of various UN organizations. An optimal option could be transforming the UN-Water mechanism into a full-fledged specialized UN agency. The implementation of this initiative aligns with the UN's sustainable development goals and the interests of the international community. In April next year, a Regional Environmental Summit will be held in Astana, where Kazakhstan plans to launch international consultations on the creation of a global water organization.
Also on the agenda was the Afghan issue. Tokayev emphasizes the importance of continuing assistance to Kabul and notes that the Regional UN Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, established in Almaty, should become an important platform for coordinating cooperation.
