SOCIETY 384

H.E. Mukhtar Tileuberdi
We advocate the peaceful resolution of conflicts,
the settlement of disputes and conflicts
through diplomatic methods, with the participation
of International Organizations. For example,
we have organized rounds of negotiations within
the framework of Astana process on the Syrian
conflict.
Kazakhstan and Austria have similar positions in
multilateral platforms on issues of nuclear disarmament
and non-proliferation. We support each
other within the TPNW and also as landlocked
countries.
We have established good neighbourly relations
with the countries of Central Asia, and we support
the complex process of statehood in Afghanistan.
Just recently, Kazakh rescuers flew to Kabul with
a cargo of humanitarian aid following a devastating
earthquake.
Kazakhstan Agency of International Development
“KazAID” focuses primarily on helping the
countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan. Over the
past 20 years, Kazakhstan has provided $542 million
in official development assistance.
Kazakhstan initiated the convocation of the
Congress of World and Traditional Religion Leaders,
which over 20 years has become a unique
platform for dialogue, bringing together the most
authoritative representatives of all religions and
confessions. The most recent Congress of Leaders
was held in Astana last year and was attended by
Pope Francis.
This June, we launched a new platform for dialogue
— the Astana International Forum — aimed
at finding solutions to key global challenges
together.
At Kazakhstan’s initiative, the growing involvement
of member states has been a positive force
in transforming the Conference on Interaction
and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)
into a full-fledged international organization
capable of contributing to continental mediation
and peace making.
As for our domestic policy, Kazakhstan is now
entering a new stage of development. We are
gradually implementing large-scale domestic and
socio-economic reforms towards a more sustainable
and diversified economy, a fairer society, and
an inclusive and resilient political system.
In his recent annual Address to the Nation, the
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined a new
economic course for the country over the next
three years. The key principles of this economic
strategy are “fairness, inclusiveness and pragmatism”.
The plan focuses on making effective use
of the country's competitive advantages and harnessing
the potential of key production factors,
including labour, capital, resources and technology.
The President stressed the need for a gradual
transition to a new economic model that directly
benefits citizens.
As a former Soviet country and ally of Russia –
what is Kazakhstan’s stance on the war? How is it
adapting its foreign policy towards Russia in view
of the conflict?
Kazakhstan has historically friendly relations with
both states — Russia and Ukraine. We are united
by strong historical ties, culture, the absence of
a language barrier, relative ties between people.
On this basis, we are building relations based on
mutual understanding and respectful dialogue.
We believe that dialogue is the only way to create
a conducive environment in which new principles
and norms can be agreed upon. Despite all efforts,
conflicts persist in many regions of the world. We
urge all parties to seek diplomatic solutions to
conflicts on the basis of the UN Charter and universally
recognized international law. In this regard,
Kazakhstan commends all efforts and plans for
peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.
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Issue
N 384