Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions, Kazakhstan Aims To Play 'Role Of A Bridge'

Kazakhstan in recent times has been redefining its foreign policy. It country recently launched 'Astana International Forum', which will act as a platform to pitch for multilateralism at global level.

File photo of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with US Secretary-General António Guterres.

Kazakhstan in Central Asia has been emerging as a new pole of global cooperation by advocating dialogue, trade, multilateralism, and exchange of ideas among stakeholders of world peace, and it now plans to play the "role of a bridge", addressing food and energy securtiy concerns of the world. The country recently launched the 'Astana International Forum', which will act as a platform to pitch for multilateralism at a global level. One of the most significant objectives of the forum is to provide new means to amplify voices that are often marginalised.

"In an increasingly polarised world, Kazakhstan often plays the role of a bridge between East and West, North and South. This is a product of our unique history and geography," Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, launching the forum. 

"The Astana International Forum is unique because it offers a platform for global middle powers to discuss their views and positions on the issues of today, and to put forward their own solutions to these issues. We will continue to defend international law and to pursue constructive engagement with nations across the world," he said. 

This initiative of Kazakhstan assumes significance in the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and a recent spike in US-China tensions.

Interestingly, the Kazakhstan President in his address drew attention towards growing tensions among world powers and termed foreign policy as a challenge in these times.

Mincing no words, he said: "We all know that global peace and stability are currently under threat by tensions between major world powers. Meanwhile, other international issues, such as nuclear disarmament and the refugee crisis, continue to put pressures on shaky international systems and alliances."

He added: "Moreover, the rise of nationalism and populist movements in many countries continue to complicate international relations, making it more difficult to find common ground on issues that require a coordinated global response, and we are facing an increased risk of turning to short-term unsustainable solutions to long-term problems. That is why it matters that we come together at the Forum – to help set us on the right direction to protect our collective future."

Kazakhstan Inching Closer To Becoming Key EU Partner

Kazakhstan in recent times has been redefining its foreign policy, and putting in strong efforts, to come out of the shadow of world powers. It is pitching for security cooperation among the Central Asian countries, which has been appreciated by UN bodies like UNRCCA, which is a special political mission of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs and Peace-Building. It was established at the initiative of five Central Asian governments in 2007 to identify and eliminate existing and potential threats to peace and security in the region. 

"While these challenges may seem daunting, they can also be seen as opportunities for global cooperation and progress. By working together, the international community can address these issues at the Astana International Forum and contribute to a more stable, equitable, and prosperous world for all," President Tokayev said.

While charting a new course of diplomacy, Kazakhstan has been inching closer to becoming a key partner of the European Union. The formation of Astana International Forum is equally important in view of these geopolitical realities. Tokayev took a few important steps at domestic level and promised comprehensive political and social change, pushing amendments to the country’s laws and the constitution, which were approved by a nationwide referendum, transferring some powers from the executive branch to the legislature. The Astana International Forum is the next step in consolidating the liberal/democratic position of Kazakhstan and pushing its agenda of multilateralism among the stakeholders in the world.

The forum advocates interests of middle powers of the world, which itself provides it a unique positioning in an increasingly polarised world. This concept of middle powers is considered important in view of shared challenges and difficulties.