Kazakh president says Astana, Ankara could play ‘very positive’ role in tackling ‘most acute global issues’

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Friday that Kazakhstan and Türkiye could play a “very positive” and “huge” role in “tackling” the world’s “most acute issues.”

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on the southern coast of Türkiye, Tokayev said that global leaders must adopt a more responsible and pragmatic approach to addressing rising geopolitical challenges, warning that many regional conflicts have taken on global dimensions.

“Türkiye as well as Kazakhstan, as well as other countries that are present today in this audience must prove that they are very much responsible with regard to the international peace and security,” he said.

Tokayev underlined that Kazakhstan is “very much concerned” with making appropriate efforts to stop or block the spread of these conflicts and appeals around the world.

Talking about Iran, Tokayev underlined that governments should focus on the root causes of instability, including nuclear proliferation, and avoid politicizing secondary issues.

“We must remember and take into account that before the conflict, this corridor (Strait of Hormuz) has already been opened for free trade. So we should focus first of all on the nutshell of the problem,” he stressed.

Tokayev also highlighted the growing role of “middle powers,” saying they often act more responsibly than major powers and can contribute to addressing global challenges.