Kazakhstan revises Foreign Policy Concept to enhance citizen protection overseas

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has amended the country's 2020–2030 Foreign Policy Concept, placing greater emphasis on safeguarding the interests of citizens and businesses abroad and aligning the document with the new Constitution, Qazinform News Agency reports.

photo: QAZINFORM

The presidential decree was signed on August 14, 2026, and took effect the same day.

According to the updated Concept, Kazakhstan will continue to pursue a multi-vector, pragmatic, and proactive foreign policy aimed at protecting national interests, strengthening the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A special emphasis has been placed on protecting the interests of the state, domestic businesses, and every citizen of Kazakhstan abroad. The document states that this is one of the conditions for building a strong and socially responsible state.

What has changed

One of the key priorities is further improving the protection of Kazakhstanis overseas, including their rights and legal interests, as well as the interests of Kazakhstani children adopted by foreign nationals and living abroad.

Furthermore, the updated Concept also provides for more active informing of Kazakhstanis about the state's foreign policy. The authorities intend to explain the objectives of the foreign policy course, its results, and the practical benefits for citizens.

Special attention is given to countering negative external information influence and raising public awareness of foreign policy issues.

The document also includes amendments on human rights, humanitarian diplomacy, and environmental protection.

Another change concerns the Qurultay. In the new version, it is defined as the highest representative body of the Republic of Kazakhstan, exercising legislative power.

Overall, the amendments aim to bring the Foreign Policy Concept into line with the provisions of Kazakhstan's new Constitution.

At the same time, the basic principles of the foreign policy course remain unchanged: continuity, protection of independence and sovereignty, equal integration into the global community, and protection of the rights and legitimate interests of Kazakhstan citizens and compatriots abroad.

Earlier today, Qazinform reported that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received credentials from ambassadors of nine countries