Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the expanded meeting of the Foreign Ministry Board

Nur-Sultan, 18th of November, 2021– The President of Kazakhstan, opening an expanded meeting of the collegium of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted the importance of holding this event on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Head of State stressed out that our path to this historic date has been marked by significant successes. Kazakhstan has become an authoritative state, actively participating in regional and global processes. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the foundations of our foreign policy were laid by Elbasy Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev, under whose direct leadership a professional diplomatic service was formed, and large-scale of foreign policy tasks were solved.

- “A truly unprecedented historical achievement has become the complete legal consolidation of the state borders of our country, which made it possible to significantly strengthen the security of our state. Another important achievement was the signing of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, difficult work on which lasted more than 20 years”, the President said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highly appreciated the contribution of the civil servants who took part in the negotiations and announced his decision to acknowledge their work with the state awards.

It was noted in the speech that over the years Kazakhstan has built friendly relations with our strategic partners - Russia, China and the states of the Central Asia. Strategic ties have been established with the United States and the European Union, which are the leading investment and trading partners of our country.

According to the Head of State, the decision to voluntarily renounce nuclear weapons contributed to a significant increase in Kazakhstan's prestige in the international community.

- “Next year will be marked by the 30th anniversary of the CICA and the holding of its VI Summit in our capital. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has to carry out large-scale work in this direction. Kazakhstan is aimed at the gradual transformation of the Conference into a continental organization for security and development issues”, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The President pointed out that Kazakh diplomacy is known for its focus on finding compromise solutions on many, including the most difficult, international problems.

- “Our country came up with peacekeeping initiatives, made mediation efforts aimed at resolving interstate and civil conflicts. We strive to establish harmonious relations between civilizations, we hold Congresses of leaders of the world and traditional religions. All that was highly appreciated and received the comprehensive support from our foreign partners”, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized.

The President drew attention to the fact that Kazakhstan is one of the founders of a number of multilateral structures on the Eurasian continent and actively participates in the continent activities.

- “Recently, together with a number of brotherly states, we have transformed the Turkic Council into a full-fledged Organization. This event marked the beginning of a new stage of cooperation between the Turkic-speaking states”, the Head of State said.

The Head of State stressed out that today Kazakhstan accounts for 75% of foreign capital attracted to Central Asia, and it is important not to slow down efforts in this direction.

The President highly appreciated the efforts of the diplomatic corps, which, in the context of the pandemic, provided assistance to thousands of our fellow citizens abroad, including doing a great job of returning our compatriots from abroad.

- Thanks to the efforts of diplomats, supplies of humanitarian aid to Kazakhstan were provided. From our side, we have also provided support to many states. “Vaccine diplomacy” has contributed to stabilizing the epidemiological situation in Central Asia. Despite all the difficulties, you continue to solve the set strategic tasks, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Taking into account the current situation in the world, the President called for a broad revision of the methods of foreign policy work and the development of appropriate systemic measures.

- First. Implementation of foreign policy in accordance with the concept of a "hearing state" and increasing its effectiveness. Currently, there is no truly unified national strategy of Kazakhstan in the external field. This is a systemic problem. In this regard, the Foreign Ministry must establish close interdepartmental coordination. Attention should be paid to such chronic problems as weak interaction within the state apparatus and the predominance of narrow departmental interests. This leads to serious failures and decrease in the effectiveness of work in the field of protection of the national interests. For example, the shallowing of the Yaik River, the idleness of Kazakhstani goods at the Chinese border, infringement of the interests of our business in the markets of neighboring countries and many other problems negatively affect the mood and standard of living of Kazakhstanis, - noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

As the second priority task, the President outlined the "reset" of the economic diplomacy. According to the Head of State, in the conditions of post-pandemic recovery, competition between states for attracting foreign investment is intensifying. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should finally make full use of its status of an authorized body in the implementation of state policy to attract investments.

As another important task requiring attention, the Head of State considers the strengthening of Kazakhstan's leading positions in the Central Asian region.

- “I believe that we should boldly declare our special regional status, since we have every reason for this. Our economy is much stronger than other economies in Central Asia. Median geostrategic position at the crossroads of key transport arteries in Eurasia. Implementation of large-scale and profound economic and democratic transformations. The presence of intellectual and human potential. High authority of Kazakhstan in the international arena. These factors give us special responsibility for the fate of Central Asia”, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The Head of state believes that the early completion of the negotiation processes within the framework of "water diplomacy" meets the common interests of Kazakhstan, the states of Central Asia, as well as Russia and China.

Then the President dwelled on the issues of equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with the leading world powers and influential states in the region. He stressed out that we are pursuing a sufficient and balanced foreign policy based on pragmatism, as well as we remain devoted to the bilateral and multilateral commitments we made.

- “We will never allow any agreements that would damage such sacred values for us as independence, sovereignty, inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. First of all, we must firmly defend the interests of Kazakhstan”, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The Head of state called the formation of a renewed image of Kazakhstani diplomacy a very important priority.

- “The departure of qualified specialists from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs weakens its human capacity and becomes a serious challenge. I know firsthand that the Foreign Ministry is one of the most conservative structures. On the one hand, there is a positive side in terms of preserving traditions and forming a narrow group of professional diplomats. On the other hand, many educated, intelligent young people who want to serve their country face an insurmountable wall when applying for a ministry job. It is necessary to correct this situation. Time requires radical changes in personnel policy. The diplomatic service needs, first of all, erudite, open, patriotic professionals. Our diplomats representing Kazakhstan abroad must know not only foreign languages, but, first of all, the state language”, the President said.

At the end of his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged all participants to continue working with renewed vigor to implement the main directions of Kazakhstan's foreign policy, and also expressed confidence that diplomats will always faithfully serve the interests of our country.

Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi and ambassadors of Kazakhstan in a number of states spoke at an expanded meeting of the collegium.