Bridging Boldness: President Tokayev’s Vision for Kazakhstan’s Future
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the courageous nature of nomads at the grand opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games in Astana on Sept. 8. He highlighted the inherent strength and resilience of Kazakh people in facing challenging circumstances.
Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko further elaborated on this sentiment during a press briefing for foreign journalists on Sept. 11. He emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to preserving the vibrant cultures of the global nomadic community, as showcased at the World Nomad Games, which saw participation from over 2,500 athletes from 89 countries.
Vassilenko emphasized Kazakhstan’s role in preserving ancient traditions while also serving as a modern bridge between nations. He highlighted the country’s bold foreign policy approaches and the deep-rooted boldness and resilience of the Kazakh people. This mentality has been instrumental in driving the country’s development over the past 30 years of independence.
The diplomat also touched upon Kazakhstan’s support for global cooperation through bold initiatives such as the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). He emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to peace and cooperation on the global stage.
Vassilenko further highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing outreach, particularly in cooperation with the European Union in areas such as energy and critical raw materials. He mentioned Kazakhstan’s efforts to diversify into green energy and its wealth in critical raw materials essential for green and digital transitions.
The Kazakh official also discussed the nation’s success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and creating a favorable investment climate. He noted Kazakhstan’s achievements in this regard, including Moody’s recent upgrade of Kazakhstan’s long-term local and foreign currency issuer ratings to Baa1.
On the topic of regional connectivity, Vassilenko emphasized the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and highlighted Kazakhstan’s efforts to develop trade routes that connect Central Asia with Europe. He discussed the Middle Corridor as a critical route linking China with Europe through Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
Overall, Vassilenko expressed optimism about Kazakhstan’s continued growth and cooperation with international partners, showcasing the country’s bold and forward-thinking approach to global challenges.