Kazakhstan Assumes Chairmanship of the Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
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Kazakhstan has commenced its chairmanship at the Third Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
In his address, the conference president, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin, highlighted that despite the complex international situation, the number of supporters advocating for the total elimination of nuclear arsenals and the creation of a world free from nuclear threats continues to grow. He noted that this year marks 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and stressed the collective belief in the necessity of taking measures to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again.
Within the framework of the Treaty, Kazakhstan places particular emphasis on providing support to victims of nuclear testing, both within the country and in other regions of the world. In this regard, efforts to establish an International Fund to assist affected individuals and restore the environment have been acknowledged.
The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, welcomed Kazakhstan’s leadership of the conference, recognizing the country’s substantial contribution to the global nuclear disarmament process.
Over the course of the week, the conference will host thematic debates featuring leading international experts in nuclear disarmament, along with comprehensive discussions on future directions of work. The debates will involve not only government representatives but also members of civil society, youth organizations, and survivors of nuclear testing from numerous countries, including Kazakhstan.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants intend to adopt a political declaration and approve a series of decisions addressing the most pressing issues related to the Treaty’s implementation. The conference is attended by 75 delegations from Treaty member states and observer nations, as well as more than 150 civil society and non-governmental organizations from across the globe.
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Initiative of the President of Kazakhstan to Establish a UN Center in Almaty was Unanimously Supported by UN Member States
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The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan. The document was initiated by Kazakhstan on behalf of the Central Asian states. 152 UN member states supported the resolution as co-sponsors, which underlines the high significance of the initiative and broad international consensus, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
The establishment of the UN SDG Centre is an important step in implementing the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, first presented at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. At that time, the Head of State proposed to locate the Centre on the basis of the new building of International Organizations in Almaty, where 18 UN agencies are already operating.
President Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan, as the largest economy in the region, is interested in strengthening cooperation between states and the sustainable development of Central Asia, playing a key role in promoting regional integration.
The growing role of middle powers in global governance underscores the importance of Kazakhstan’s efforts to ensure sustainable development and stability. Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its role as an important bridge between the world’s leading centers of power and acts as a catalyst for international cooperation.
Particular attention is paid to the economic development of Afghanistan. The stability and prosperity of the people of this country are directly linked to the security and well-being of Central Asia. Kazakhstan consistently supports the Afghan people, facilitating the processes of restoring the country, expanding trade and economic ties and integrating into regional cooperation.
The Centre will be a key platform for coordinating international and regional efforts, sharing best practices, providing technical assistance and implementing joint projects. It will work closely with governments, international organizations, the private sector and civil society to achieve concrete and measurable results.
In addition, the Centre will make a significant contribution to the revitalization processes of the UN system, helping to increase the effectiveness of the organization’s activities at the regional level. Its work will be aimed at strengthening coordination between UN agencies, adapting global initiatives to regional needs and promoting inclusive multilateral cooperation, which meets current UN reforms aimed at increasing its efficiency and effectiveness.
The adoption of this resolution underscores global support for a regional approach to sustainable development and demonstrates the readiness of the international community to facilitate the progress of Central Asia and Afghanistan on the path to stability, prosperity and integration into global development processes.
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Kazakh Foreign Minister Pays First Official Visit to Morocco
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Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu arrived in Rabat with the first official visit in the history of bilateral relations at the invitation of Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the talks, the sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral interaction, including the intensification of political dialogue, strengthening trade, economic and investment ties, as well as expanding contacts in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.
Significant potential for deepening partnership in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, digital technologies, innovations, education, and tourism was noted. In this regard, the sides expressed their readiness to further improve the legal framework and continue the practice of exchange visits at various levels.
Kazakhstan sees Morocco as an important and close partner in the Middle East and North Africa region. For more than 30 years of diplomatic relations, we have managed to build meaningful political dialogue based on common values, as well as establish constructive inter-parliamentary cooperation," - stated the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
In turn, Minister Bourita emphasized the leading role of Kazakhstan in the Central Asian region and assured of his country's firm intention to qualitatively strengthen multifaceted interaction on a wide range of issues. The Moroccan minister noted that he considers Morocco and Kazakhstan as gateways to North Africa and Central Asia, respectively.
The interlocutors emphasized the significant growth of trade turnover between the two countries, which last year increased by 70% and reached 274 million US dollars. In this case, the Kazakh Foreign Minister noted that Kazakhstan has good opportunities to increase the supply of products with high added value in Morocco. This includes expanding exports of 25 key commodity items worth 130 million US dollars, comprising finished petrochemical products, metallurgical products, and food products.
Minister Nurtleu also noted that the Agreement on a visa-free regime will come into force soon, making Morocco the first country in Africa with which a bilateral visa-free regime is established. This will create new opportunities for the development of business ties and expansion of contacts between citizens.
Special attention was paid to the issues of food security. The head of the Kazakh delegation expressed gratitude to Morocco for its interest in the activities of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and stressed the importance of early ratification of its Charter and invited to participate at a high level in the 7th General Assembly of the IOFS, which will be held this year in Astana.
The parties also discussed the upcoming Astana International Forum, which will be held in May, which will unite the efforts of the world community in addressing current challenges. In addition, they discussed preparations for the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions scheduled for this year, where Kazakhstan expects Morocco to participate at a high level.
The topic of digitalization also took an important place in the discussions. The Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan expressed the interest of our country in cooperation with Morocco in the framework of the program "Digital Morocco 2030", aimed at the development of the digital economy, and informed about the readiness of Kazakh IT-companies to offer pilot projects in the field of e-government, innovative IT-solutions and cybersecurity.
The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, noting the successful concert of the Academic Philharmonic of Astana and the Grand Orchestra of Rabat, which aroused great interest among the Moroccan public.
In the sphere of tourism, significant potential was noted and in order to further develop tourism cooperation, the parties agreed to finalize the Agreement on air communication in 2025 and consider the possibility of launching direct flights.
Following the talks, the sides confirmed the mutual desire to further strengthen Kazakh-Moroccan relations in political, economic and humanitarian spheres. The ministers also adopted a Joint Communiqué, which reflects the decision to create working groups to expand cooperation in key areas.
Within the framework of the visit, the Kazakh delegation headed by Minister Nurtleu also visited the Mausoleum of Sultan and the first King Mohammed V (1909-1961). The majestic building, which houses the tomb of the monarch and his two sons, is located in the center of Rabat, not far from the famous Hassan Tower. The Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan laid a wreath and left an entry in the book of honorary guests.
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Issues of Strengthening the Strategic Partnership Between Kazakhstan and Qatar were Discussed in Doha
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Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov met with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan Al-Muraikhi during his visit to Doha, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the talks, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen high-level political dialogue, noting the importance of strengthening trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties.
The progress of the implementation of the agreements reached following the talks between the heads of the two states in Doha and Astana last year was discussed, including agreements aimed at implementing joint investment projects.
As part of the visit, the Kazakh delegation also held talks with Qatari Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry Mohammed Hassan Al-Malki.
The interlocutors exchanged views on intensifying joint actions to increase mutual trade turnover and strengthen economic partnership in accordance with the instructions of the leaders of the two countries.
Particular attention was paid to the issues of preparation for the next meeting of the joint high-level intergovernmental commission this year in Astana and the intensification of the work of the Business Council.
At a meeting with the Executive Director for Projects of the Qatari holding UCC Holding Mehmed Ozozan, issues of implementing investment projects were discussed within the framework of the Agreement on the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership for the development of projects in key industries, signed by the governments of the two countries on March 20, 2024.
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Panel Discussion on "80 Years of the UN and Kazakhstan’s Role: the Future of Multilateralism" was Held in Astana
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A panel discussion dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations was held at the Presidential Center. The event was attended by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin, and the Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, Steven O'Malley. The panelists included the Ambassador of Brazil to Kazakhstan, Marcel Fortuna Biato, Director of the Research Institute "Public Opinion," Botagoz Rakisheva, the Ambassador of Turkiye to Kazakhstan, Mustafa Kapudji, and the Head of the International Security Department of the KISI, Dauren Aben. Among the attendees were heads of diplomatic missions, international organizations, and media representatives, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the discussion, participants addressed relevant issues on the international agenda, which are in focus for the UN’s anniversary year, as well as Kazakhstan’s contribution to the development of multilateral diplomacy and the country’s efforts to promote peacebuilding initiatives, including nuclear disarmament, strengthening regional security, and supporting an inclusive global order.
In his speech, Rakhmetullin emphasized the strategic role of the UN in addressing global challenges and noted that, in this context, Kazakhstan continues to actively contribute to international cooperation and supports a multipolar approach in solving the problems faced by the global community.
As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has stated, ‘there is no alternative to this universal organization.’ The 80th anniversary of the UN is not just a celebration, but also an important milestone for reflecting on the role of multilateralism in today’s world. We are confident that only through joint efforts and international cooperation can we effectively address global challenges," said the Kazakh diplomat.
As we mark the UN’s 80th anniversary, we must reaffirm our shared commitment to international cooperation and ensure that global governance structures remain effective and adaptable. Kazakhstan has consistently demonstrated leadership in fostering peace and stability, and this discussion provides an opportunity to shape a collective vision for the future," noted O'Malley.
The event allowed participants to discuss pressing issues related to global security and sustainable development in the context of a multipolar world. During the discussion, participants explored changes in the international system, driven by the accelerating pace of globalization and the development of new technologies. The issue of adapting the UN to new challenges and the importance of further strengthening the role of the organization in maintaining peace and global security was also addressed.
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