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Состоялась рабочая поездка Посла Казахстана в России Даурена Абаева в Томскую область.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation Dmitry Kozak, who arrived in Kazakhstan under President Vladimir Putin’s instructions.

Pressing issues of the Kazakh-Russian partnership and alliance were discussed during the meeting.

Special attention was paid to the development of political, trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation, as well as to Eurasian integration within the context of upcoming meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

The Head of State stressed the priority importance of strengthening allied relations with the Russian Federation on the entire range of issues of the agenda. In addition, an agreement on the development of contacts and interaction between the presidential administrations of the two countries was reached.

“The Future We Want, The UN We Need:

Reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism”

(23 September 2020)

 

Mr. President,

Mr. Secretary-General,

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

 

This year we commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the United Nations in both dramatic and critical time.

The greatest challenge of our age – COVID-19 pandemic – continues to cause deep suffering among the people around the world and has seriously affected the global economy.

In the wake of this unprecedented human tragedy, on behalf of my country-fellows I extend the profound gratitude to all medical professionals and frontline staff-members who work very hard to protect us. 

The current global emergency is a stress test for all of us that has triggered health, humanitarian and socio-economic turbulence. COVID-19 has exposed our past mistakes and failures.

We have witnessed a critical collapse of global cooperation in response to this crisis, trade protectionism and political nationalism, coming close to what some have already called a state of “global disfunction”.

The whole world is on the verge of dramatic upheavals that may lead to irreversible consequences. Lack of mutual confidence, misunderstanding of international competition, trade wars and sanctions really undermine the prospects and hopes for a better world.

Let us be frank – in the post-Cold War world we largely missed the chance to build a truly just, people-centered international system. The fate of our future generations depends on the understanding of this reality, primarily by us, the leaders of states.

Therefore it is our moral obligation to reflect on the paradigm of building a "New World". Now we are in a make-or-break moment for the humankind.

Born a century before the UN establishment, a great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai proposed his own formula on global interaction: «Адамзатқа не керек: сүймек, сезбек, кейімек, қарекет қылмақ, жүгірмек, ақылмен ойлап сөйлемек». Which means: all that the humanity needs – love, compassion, bold actions, deeds and thoughtfulness.

In this context, allow me to share some points on our collective response to current challenges.

 

Mr. President,

 

Right after the coronavirus outbreak, the UN’s various funds, programmes and agencies have stepped forward to combat the crisis.

However, the international community obviously needs to do more.

Firstly, to build a strong global health system priority must be given to upgrading national health institutions through timely and coordinated support from developed countries and UN agencies. 

Secondly, we must take the politics out of the vaccine. It is not too late for reaching a COVID-19 vaccine trade and investment agreement that would protect global production and supply chains.

Thirdly, it may be necessary to revise the International Health Regulations to increase the World Health Organization’s capacity, and to develop national capabilities in preventing and responding to diseases. 

Fourthly, we suggest that the idea of a network of Regional Centers for Disease Control and Biosafety under the UN auspices be closely examined. Kazakhstan stands ready to host such a regional center.

Last but not least, in light of the global pandemic, launching of a biological weapons control system is becoming more acute than ever.

Kazakhstan proposes to establish a special multilateral body – the International Agency for Biological Safety – based on the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention and accountable to the UN Security Council.

 

Distinguished delegates,

 

We need urgent concerted efforts for a truly global economic recovery.

I join the Secretary-General’s call on rescue package amounting to 10% of the world economy and share his view that the response to the pandemic should be based on a New Global Deal to create equal and broader opportunities for all.

We believe that the suspension of debt repayments by the poorest countries will help reduce uncertainty. International financial institutions need to implement innovative solutions like debt-to-health system swaps.

I hope that the upcoming High-Level Meeting on Financing for Development will produce concrete measures.

Landlocked developing countries have been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19 which has severely damaged trade and supply chains.

As the current Chair of the LLDC Group, Kazakhstan has proposed a UN Roadmap to reinvigorate implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action.

The highest expectation of our people is practical deliverables within Agenda 2030.

We need prompt and well-coordinated steps to get back on track for an accelerated SDG Decade of Action – probably the most critical decade of our generation.

The very basic target, zero hunger is to be provided unconditionally.

In this context, we note the importance of convening a Food Systems Summit in 2021.

The Islamic Organization for Food Security, initiated by Kazakhstan is ready to assist the international humanitarian campaign through the creation of food reserves.

We should renew our commitment to leave no one behind, especially women, youth, children, elders, persons with disabilities, disproportionately affected by the crisis.

The largest disruption of education systems in history should be stopped from becoming a generational catastrophe.

Civic engagement and private sector involvement are also critical for solving current pressing problems.

During past months we have witnessed strong solidarity all over the world through volunteering.

To acknowledge the role of volunteers, I propose the United Nations to proclaim an International Year of Mobilizing Volunteers for Development. In Kazakhstan I announced the current year as a Year of Volunteers.

 

Mr. President,

 

There are two more crises that are looming right behind the pandemic.

One of them is the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament crisis.

Kazakhstan has been the role model of a responsible state by willingly abandoning its nuclear arsenal and shutting down world’s biggest nuclear test site.

However, continuous erosion of the non-proliferation regime leaves us in a dangerous position.

Kazakhstan, therefore, expects all Member States to join its appeal to nuclear powers to take necessary and urgent measures to save the humankind from a nuclear disaster.

In this respect we appreciate an active role played by relevant UN institutions including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization.

We believe that legally-binding negative security assurances should be given to every non-nuclear-weapon state. That is why we urge all P5 countries to ratify the respective Protocols to the Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Treaties, including Semipalatinsk Treaty.

Another existential crisis for our civilization is the climate change. It is not only a dangerous problem in itself, but is also a “threat multiplier”.

The climate emergency is a race we are losing. But the post-COVID recovery gives us unique opportunity to put environmental protection at the forefront of international agenda. We must unite around the UN’s six climate positive actions.

Kazakhstan is very vulnerable to the various effects of the climate change. The tragedies of Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, the rapid melting of glaciers, and desertification threaten not only Kazakhstan and Central Asian region, but also the entire world.

Although Kazakhstan is highly dependent on fossil fuels and has a long way to go to meet Paris 2030 targets, our commitment to develop a decarbonized economy has no alternative.

We will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 through economic overhaul and industrial modernization.

And yet, in next five years we will plant more than two billion trees.

To address these global crises we need to restore an atmosphere of trust between Member States and strengthen multilateral institutions.

Lack of trust between nations has become toxic for international relations.

It is a moral duty to demonstrate our commitment to the basic purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Due to the immensely growing demand for confidence-building, Kazakhstan aims to transform Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia into a full-fledged organization for security and development in Asia.

The world community should increasingly promote an ideology of tolerance, mutual understanding and cultural diversity. It is a key to countering hatred and intolerance.

We once again stress the need for creating a unified coalition to counter another global challenge – international terrorism.

We invite all countries to join the Code of Conduct for Achieving a World Free of Terrorism.

Kazakhstan was among the first to repatriate our women and children from war-torn Syria and Iraq. It was not an easy decision, but absolutely necessary one.

It is our strong belief that the United Nations must lead the global effort to overcome the pandemic, accelerate recovery and improve prospects for global governance.

Therefore, each and every UN agency should reinstate its efficiency and relevance to the tasks ahead of us.

We have no alternative but to live up to the great challenge of building a more robust and forward-oriented UN.

The criticism of the United Nations is not always fair. The UN does exactly as much as the political will of the Member States allows.

 

Excellencies,

 

Though different, each of these three crises is in fact a governance challenge. To achieve truly just and people-centered world, measures at the international stage should be accompanied by the dedicated efforts at the national level.

Kazakhstan is determined to build an economically strong, democratically advanced and human-oriented “Listening State”.

Therefore, we conduct political and economic reforms that are expected to give a boost to the development of our society to meet up the expectations of our people.

We have decriminalized defamation, adopted new laws on political parties and on the peaceful mass meetings.

To fulfill a fundamental right to life and human dignity we decided to join the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on the abolition of the death penalty.

Another priority is ensuring equal opportunities for women and youth, protection of children.

We have reduced our Gender Inequality Index value by two times and have introduced a mandatory 30% quota for women and youth in election party lists.

We have helped 4.5 million fellow-citizens who temporarily lost their income during pandemic having allocated for this goal 1.1 billion dollars. Over a million people have received food and household packages. It was an unprecedented measure in our part of the world.

Regional cooperation has always been our main focus and commitment. Central Asia is undergoing rapid transformation through significant expansion of regional cooperation in various fields.

No doubt that a prosperous, strong and united Central Asia is beneficial both for regional and global stakeholders.

As to regional stability, the rational use of transboundary water resources is instrumental. We thus propose the establishment of a Regional water and energy consortium.

To coordinate development agenda in the region we intend to institutionalize a UN-led regional SDGs Center in Almaty.

 

Mr. President,

 

We must remember that in crisis comes an opportunity. We can build back for a better, greener, more efficient, fair and inclusive world.

The emphasis must be shifted on the root causes, preventive measures, and increasing the efficiency of our limited resources.

All the efforts should be guided by the moral imperative – to Put People First.

Kazakhstan will always remain a strong supporter of the UN and will actively participate in fulfilling our collective aspiration for a better and happier future.

Thank you for your attention.

Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, Dear colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen!

Today we commemorate the historic decision taken in June 1945 to create a totally new organization as an outcome of the most devastating World War in the history of mankind.

The United Nations as Dag Hammarskjöld famously underlined “was not created to bring us to heaven, but to save us from hell”.

Though conceived primarily as a system for collective security, the UN has in fact consolidated nations around much broader common aspirations and principles. The result has been an era of really active and broad international cooperation. 

However, the path has not been easy. 75 years were overshadowed by missed opportunities to find a common ground in advancing our shared goals and values, to lessen suffering in the world.

But one learns from both failure and success. The history of the United Nations has been a period of intense collective efforts and rich learning: from decolonization to development, from child protection to climate change, from health to human rights, from peacekeeping to peacemaking. 

Over the last three decades, Kazakhstan has participated in endeavours of every major UN body – including the Security Council – in pursuit of a range of priorities including conflict resolution, non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament, combatting terrorism, interfaith and interethnic dialogue, as well as promoting the interests of Land Locked Developing Countries.

When we look around us today, many new challenges - and some old recurring ones - threaten to drag us back in time.

Multilateralism now faces greater risk than at any point since the end of the Cold War.

COVID-19 has proven surprisingly difficult to be overcome. A second arms race looms. Our strategic development goals are suffering setbacks.  

Some argue that the ideals enshrined in the UN Charter are no longer realistic.

As President of my country and former senior manager of the UN I strongly disagree. 

More than ever,

We must give rein to the horse of our hopes, not pull back out of fear.

We must galvanize efforts in pursuit of those shared ideals, not abandon them.

We must continue to build a rules-based community, not return to lawlessness.

This will not be easy. The next decade is crucial as we strive to implement the 2030 Agenda and simultaneously meet the crises of our time.

This formidable goal demands a common endeavour and responsibility.

We commend strong leadership by Secretary-General António Guterres, and support his ongoing work to boost effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the UN.

Kazakhstan adds its voice in a clear statement of commitment to the UN mission and Charter, and to the shared aspiration of building a more peaceful, just and prosperous world.

I am convinced that the United Nations as a single universal and most representative international organization is indeed indispensable.

Thank you.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War on Red Square in Moscow, as well as participated the ceremony of laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

At the level of Heads of state and Government, along with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the initiator of the solemn ceremony, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, the anniversary parade was also attended by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Moldova Igor Dodon, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmon, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik, as well as heads of a number of international organizations.

The anniversary parade was attended by more than 13 thousand military personnel, 216 units of military equipment, 75 units of various types of military aircrafts.

53 military columns, as well as 13 military companies representing the armed forces of the CIS countries and other foreign states marched in a ceremonial march on Red Square. The Republic of Kazakhstan was presented by the 55 servicemen of military units of the air assault troops.

Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC), which was held in the videoconference format.

Along with the President of Kazakhstan, the online summit was attended by Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Moldova Igor Dodon as head of the observer state to the EEU, as well as Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mikhail Myasnikovich.

The key issue on the agenda was the discussion of strategic development of the Eurasian Economic Integration for 2025. The leaders also discussed priority areas of cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union and a proposal to grant Cuba observer status to the EEU.

In his speech, President Tokayev paid special attention to the draft document “On Strategic Directions for the Development of the Eurasian Economic Integration for 2025”.

Supporting the idea of adopting the Strategy in general, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that some of its provisions require additional elaboration.

“Given the special importance of this document, which lays out the main outlines of integration for years to come, it seems appropriate to discuss it further and adopt it during a face-to-face meeting. Sooner or later, we will see each other,” the Head of State believes.

The President made a number of comments on this project. First of all, he believes that it is necessary to ensure the movement of goods without barriers and restrictions, gradually build a single market for services in the sectors agreed by the parties, and prepare for a common energy and financial markets.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that bilateral cooperation between the countries of the Union is multifaceted and affects almost the entire spectrum of economic, social and humanitarian relations.

“Therefore, consideration of these issues in a five-party format with the involvement of the Eurasian Economic Commission may make it difficult to implement them in practice. The full inclusion of issues such as health, education and science in the competence of the Eurasian Economic Commission can significantly change its economic orientation, in other words, it will contradict to the essence of the Treaty on the establishment of the EEU in 2015,” President Tokayev is convinced.

According to the President, an integration work should take into account the peculiarities of the national legal system and proceed from the principle of “necessary sufficiency” when considering harmonization issues and unification of national legislation.

“The proposed “harmonization and unification” of legislation in terms of establishing legal liability – administrative and criminal, in a number of sectors, such as customs, technical regulation, and consumer protection, in our opinion, do not yet meet the principle of reasonable sufficiency, and this will lead to rejection of the Strategy by national public opinion, since the Strategy would limit the sovereign rights of governments and parliaments,” believes Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

In addition, the Head of State called for a careful approach to expanding the powers of the EEC.

“Granting the Commission the right to participate in bilateral negotiations of member states with third countries on trade in services requires, of course, an additional examination,” he said.

In his speech, the President of Kazakhstan called cooperation within the EEU a priority and a key element of economic recovery, and also welcomed the decision of the Uzbekistan Parliament to join the EEU as an observer state.

At the same time, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made a number of proposals aimed at further strengthening mutual trade, supporting business and interaction in the areas of digitalization and transport logistics.

First, the President of Kazakhstan pointed out the need to develop a plan for the gradual removal of all restrictions and barriers that arose during the pandemic.

“Our agencies in the sphere of health, sanitary, veterinary and other types of control should take into account the lessons of the crisis and offer effective mechanisms of interaction that ensure, on the one hand, and on the other, the safety of our citizens, the barrier – free movement of goods. The coordinated work of transport authorities, sanitary services, and border agencies is important both in the fight against the pandemic and in the subsequent lifting of restrictions,” the Head of State believes.

As a second suggestion, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the importance of significantly stepping up work on launching the integrated information system of the EEU.

“Digitalization of key aspects of interaction between the state bodies of our countries would help simplify business processes, increase mutual trade, and reduce the administrative burden on business,” the President said.

Third, the Head of State pointed to the need to develop transport and logistics services.

“As part of this work, we have already started creating a national commodity distribution system, which by 2022 will consist of 24 wholesale and distribution centers. This will make it possible to store, process and distribute about 5 million tons of agricultural products. I propose to work out the possibility of creating a common distribution network with interested countries of the Union,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The theme of business support took an important place in the speech. The President said that in the current crisis situation, almost all the resources of the EEU countries are thrown at stabilizing work and preserving jobs. At the same time, he noted that the implementation of some of the most expensive decisions of the Union's bodies, such as the introduction of mandatory labeling for certain groups of goods, is not an urgent need in a crisis.

In addition, the Head of state proposed to create and actively use a platform for heads of ministries of the financial and economic dimension of the EEU countries and governments in general, in order to discuss measures to respond to external challenges in the post-crisis period.

Following the summit, on the proposal of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the document “On Strategic Directions for the Development of the Eurasian Economic Integration for 2025” was largely approved, but not adopted. The EEU governments and the EEU are charged with finalizing the Strategy.

The leaders of the "Eurasian Five” agreed to hold the next session of the EEU in upcoming autumn in Minsk.