Neutrality should not be mistaken for absence of conviction – Tokayev

Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that his country following the path toward building Just Kazakhstan is firmly committed to the principles and values of responsible diplomacy, Kazinform News Agency cites Akorda.

All foreign partners, having a well understanding of what Astana calls for, see us as a reliable and tested partner. We will remain open and connected with the world, promoting ‘Kazakhstan - committed to globalization,’ which is our country’s foreign policy course. Only then we could success in this new era of prolonged uncertainty. As a result, we cannot afford to be complacent and passive. Staying open to the world, we remain vigilant and proactive in countering external challenges. We will not hesitate in protecting the legal rights and interests of Kazakhstan, not mentioning willingness to sacrifice our basic interests. There are times when our position is perceived skeptical and criticized for neutrality. However, neutrality should not be mistaken for the absence of conviction. Instead, it is a deliberate choice towards diplomacy and dialogue, not a conflict and force. This choice is our strength, helping us overcome deep disagreements from territorial disputes to ideological conflicts, said the Kazakh leader.

As an example, Tokayev mentioned the efforts to facilitate the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, brokerage in the Iranian nuclear program, Syria talks in Astana, as well as the recent dispatch of independent peacekeeping contingent to the Golan Heights within the UN mission.