President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of the forum as a platform for exchanging ideas on regional and global challenges, including conflicts, economic instability, and climate change, TuraNews.kz reports.
Tokayev emphasized the need for collective action to address these issues, stating that the future of humanity depends on our ability to unify efforts. He noted that with increasing global polarization and weakening multilateral institutions, medium-sized powers like Kazakhstan have a critical role as intermediaries in resolving disputes.
The President discussed Kazakhstan’s ongoing political reforms aimed at enhancing democracy and attracting foreign investment, mentioning that the country has successfully drawn $400 billion in foreign direct investment and aims for an additional $150 billion by 2029. He reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to a multilateral foreign policy and the significance of the United Nations in promoting global cooperation.
In addressing the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Tokayev called for peaceful negotiations, emphasizing that seeking peace is a sign of strategic wisdom rather than weakness.
During a Q&A session, Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to regional cooperation in Central Asia and stressed the importance of strengthening the UN, particularly the Security Council, to ensure that the voices of middle powers are heard.
In conclusion, Tokayev underscored Kazakhstan’s dedication to peaceful coexistence and its openness to foreign investment, aiming to position the country as a vital player in international affairs.