Expert outlines key events shaping Kazakhstan’s foreign policy in 2023

Batyrkhanov, first of all, mentioned the country’s foreign policy concept for 2020-2030. The document indicates that one of the principles is that a “multi-vector, pragmatic and pro-active policy, which means the development of friendly, equal and mutually beneficial relations with all states, interstate associations, and international organizations is of practical interest to Kazakhstan.”

“This concept emphasizes Kazakhstan's need to consolidate its status as a responsible participant in the global community and to ensure more effective and systematic promotion of Kazakhstan's international initiatives,” said Batyrkhanov.

He mentioned several major diplomatic engagements of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev “demonstrating the country's multi-vector foreign policy.”

Address from the highest rostrum

“Firstly, I would like to note President Tokayev's speech on September 20, 2023, during the general debates of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He addressed many important issues, such as the security and territorial integrity of states, the future shortage of drinking water, and the nuclear threat to the world,” said the expert.

As part of this visit to the United States, Tokayev met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as leaders from Hungary, Estonia, Finland, Iran, Slovenia, South Korea, Kenya, Mongolia, Portugal, Montenegro, Romania, and heads of major global companies.

This was not the first time Tokayev addressed the international community from the highest rostrum. He urged the world to seek diplomatic solutions to the conflicts based on the UN Charter and universally recognized international law.

Article in The Hill

Batyrkhanov also spoke about President Tokayev's article for the American magazine The Hill, where Tokayev discussed the role of the UN in current realities.

“In this article, the President calls for action from the international community, emphasizing that all countries are links in the chain of global relationships and must have a clear vision and determination to jointly address all global problems,” said the expert.

Visit to Germany

Another major event, according to him, is Tokayev’s visit to Germany in September, which took place just a few months after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Kazakhstan in June. “However, our President was invited separately and personally, prior to the Germany+Central Asia event, which speaks volumes,” he added.

“International relations have different levels of visits, and this was an official visit by our head of state. The President was greeted with a guard of honor right from the airplane’s steps, signifying the high level of the meeting,” said the expert.

The discussions in Berlin focused on a variety of issues. Notably, energy collaboration plays a vital role in the partnership between Kazakhstan and Germany. Following discussions with Olaf Scholz, President Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan is prepared to boost its oil exports to Germany.

COP28 in Dubai

The latest United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, in Dubai, which Tokayev also attended. There, he announced major environmental initiatives on Kazakhstan’s behalf, which has been a significant event in the country’s foreign policy.

“The President emphasized that Kazakhstan was the first country in the region to ratify the Paris Agreement and adopt the Carbon Neutrality Strategy by 2060. He also highlighted Kazakhstan's vast potential for developing wind and solar energy and called on the international community to allocate more funds to support the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea – once the fourth-largest inland water body in the world,” Batyrkhanov explained.

At COP28, Tokayev made several significant announcements, showcasing the country's commitment to tackling climate change and urging collaborative global action. He announced Kazakhstan will join the Global Methane Pledge, which commits countries to reducing methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.

It was also announced that Kazakhstan and France will co-chair the first thematic One Water Summit on the sidelines of the next session of the UN General Assembly next September in New York.

Tokayev also reiterated Kazakhstan’s decision to convene a Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under the auspices of the UN.

Visit to Beijing

Tokayev’s visit to Beijing in October to participate in the third Belt and Road Forum of International Cooperation was also highlighted by the expert. It was the second visit for Tokayev to China this year. The first one was in May when he and his Central Asian counterparts gathered in Xian for the Central Asia-China summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Following the October visit, Kazakhstan and China signed 30 documents, totalling $16.54 billion. Additionally, the implementation of 52 joint projects, amounting to $21 billion, is ongoing.

“All these events and actions of President Tokayev reflect the multi-vector approach of Kazakhstan in foreign policy, aimed at strengthening the country's international position, developing cooperation with various regions, and promoting national interests at the global level,” said the expert.

However, he noted that there were other events happening in Kazakhstan and abroad that were important for the nation’s foreign policy.

At a weekly briefing on December 25, Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov said in 2023 Kazakhstan was visited by 32 heads of state and government, 24 foreign ministers, and leaders of international organizations during official visits.

Among them were the heads of foreign ministries from Hungary, the United Kingdom, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Macedonia, the United States, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Switzerland and South Korea.

Over the past year, 34 international agreements were signed, including 12 intergovernmental, 15 intergovernmental, and 7 interdepartmental documents.

Overall, Kazakhstan has diplomatic relations with 186 countries and 109 foreign missions in 71 countries.