Astana Think Tank Discusses Security, Stability, Sustainable Development

Tokayev: Reforms Boost Stability, Economic Growth

Astana – Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart confirmed that the ongoing reforms are of crucial importance not only for domestic stability, but also for economic growth and foreign investment attraction, during a plenary session of the Astana Think Tank Forum in the Astana Today Thursday, saying that Kazakhstan has made significant progress, attracting 400 billion US dollars’ worth of foreign direct investments, as mentioned by Kazinform News Agency.

Kazakh President said:” the country has announced a new investment cycle with the strategic goal of attracting investments of 150 billion US dollars before 2029, and understanding the importance of providing investors with comprehensive state support and swift decision-making, Kazakhstan set up the Investment Council with far-reaching powers to run strategic investment projects”.

Changing Global Order

the first Astana Think Tank Forum 2024 opened in Astana on the theme: «Middle powers in a Changing Global Order: Strengthening Security, Stability, and Sustainable Development».

The event, organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was held under the auspices of the Astana International Forum (AIF). The Forum was attended by 45 experts from 22 countries, including heads of leading foreign analytical centers, researchers, experts, and diplomats.

 The participants discussed the strategic and diplomatic role that middle powers play in the modern global landscape, and the participants focused on the strategic and diplomatic role that middle powers play in today’s global landscape.

The participants engageed in discussions on various topics including the role of mediator countries in global conflicts, global energy security, the potential of middle powers in shaping a more balanced global system, security issues in a multipolar world, the influence of think tanks on policy formation, key trade and transport corridors, as well as stability and energy balance.

In his speech, the Head of State stated that Kazakhstan has been pursuing its mission as a reliable member of the international community for years.

The Forum’s Theme

 The forum’s theme focused on the strategic and diplomatic role that middle powers play in today’s global landscape, particularly in strengthening security, ensuring stability, and promoting sustainable development. Essentially, this is the first time Kazakhstan is initiating a discussion on the fundamental principles of the global international system from the perspective of middle powers.

Discussions focused on the fundamentals of middle power diplomacy and its strategic role in the modern global landscape. Kazakh First Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin noted that the forum promotes “track 2” diplomacy, enabling analysts, researchers, and politicians to openly share their thoughts and work together to find solutions to the most complex international problems in a friendly and candid environment.

The forum covered geopolitical, economic, and strategic topics, including the role of mediator countries in global conflicts, global energy security, the potential of middle powers in shaping a more balanced global system, security issues in a multipolar world, the influence of think tanks on policy formation, key trade and transport corridors, as well as stability and energy balance.

The key elements

“The key elements of our foreign policy are independence, multilateralism, regional stability and diplomacy. Therefore, we strongly support the role of the United Nations as the sole universal organization, vital actor in global cooperation and progress. We believe that constructive interaction with all key partners is essential for lasting peace and prosperity within the region and beyond”, he added.

The Kazakh leader remined the participants that Kazakhstan acted as a platform to conclude a nuclear deal with Iran, to hold talks on Syria and the meeting between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

President Tokayev also drew attention to nuclear disarmament and environmental protection.

Our country voluntarily renounced its nuclear arsenal and will support global efforts on nuclear non-proliferation. Astana’s initiative to set up an International Agency for Biological Safety adds to our commitments to confronting threats in the area of global security. As for environmental protection, Kazakhstan is committed to the goals of the global climate agenda. Our country firmly supports the Paris Agreement, said the Kazakh leader.

The Head of State answered the questions of the Astana Think Tank Forum participants on Thursday in the Kazakh capital, Kazinform News Agency reports citing the Akorda press service.

Role of Kazakhstan

Moderator of the plenary session and chair of the Berlin Global Dialogue Lars-Hendrik Röller asked the Head of State what role Kazakhstan plays in the region and whether there are any problems from the view of point of more efficient use of positions of middle powers through the regional cooperation.

First of all, the Head of State confirmed that Kazakhstan remains committed to the regional policy, and close cooperation with all the neighbors in Central Asia. The more the countries cooperate, the more it benefits the interests of Kazakhstan and other Central Asia countries. He said the current situation deeply varies from the situation 10 years ago. The countries established multifaceted ties on a wide range of issues. The heads of Central Asian countries hold regular meetings to compare notes.

“So, the answer is clear. Our political principles are aimed at strengthening strategic balance. I think Central Asia has become more noticeable on the world map. I hope my colleagues in Central Asia agree with that. We will do our best to strengthen the potential of this important region, the Head of State said.

As for the UN, the Head of State firmly believes that it is crucial to strengthen the Organization since it is indispensable. Irrespective of its shortages, there is no alternative. He said that’s why Kazakhstan is set to further continue cooperation with all the countries that share this position in strengthening the UN role. The voices of regional powers and middle powers should be heard, first of all, at the Security Council.

The Head of State said it is essential to support the UN which will celebrate next year its 80th anniversary.

Supports Multilateralism

President Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan strongly supports multilateralism and said: “We are convinced that the present-day world and the world of the future should be universal based first of all on the principles provided by the Charter of the UN. It is necessary to remain committed to the UN Charter. No one has the right to violate it since there is no alternative. But we should consolidate our efforts to cease wars, and conflicts and try to come to a dialogue. The UN Charter serves as a foundation for the modern international order,” the Kazakh President said.

 President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said: that this dialogue platform set up under the aegis of the Astana International Forum enables to exchange ideas on the most pressing global and regional issues, and humanity faces today unprecedented challenges, such as regional conflicts, economic instability, climate change, food and migration crises”

President Tokayev confirmed during his speech in the Astana Think Tank Forum, in Astana Today “Thursday”, that the reforms play a vital role both in maintaining the internal stability and in ensuring economic growth and attraction of foreign investments, and said that these global problems affect all countries and require a collective joint response.

“Our common future depends on how we will be able to consolidate the efforts and reach a consensus. Therefore, it is a great honor for Kazakhstan to be a part of this important process,” Tokayev said.

In his opinion, as the polarization of the world increases and the authority of multilateral international institutions weakens, the role of middle powers grows.

“While major powers are engaged in rivalry or just fail to reach compromise, it is middle powers that often become the mediators in conflict regulation, maintaining the fundamentals of global cooperation,” said the Kazakh President.

President Tokayev told the Forum participants about political reforms launched in Kazakhstan to ensure prosperity and implementation of democratic aspirations of the society. In his opinion, the recent nationwide referendum on the construction of the nuclear power plant proved the country’s adherence to democratic values.