Statement of Mr. Roman VASSILENKO
DFM (Deputy Foreign Minister)
during a press conference
Dear ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
Firstly, I would like to welcome you to the heart of Eurasia, to the ever-evolving city of Astana.
I am delighted to host you here ahead of the highly anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
Our capital, a symbol of our nation’s achievements, is the perfect backdrop for such a significant gathering. Your presence here is a testament to the importance of this event.
The SCO Summit is a major occasion, not least because the organisation represents over 3 billion people – nearly 45% of the world’s population. The SCO plays a key role in fostering regional stability, economic growth, and multilateral cooperation.
As one of the founding members, Kazakhstan has always prioritised the development and success of the SCO within our balanced foreign policy framework.
This summit is an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and consensus-building and to chart a path forward for the organisation.
Under Kazakhstan’s presidency of the SCO, we have successfully hosted over 150 events across continents, covering important discussions on energy, digitalisation, and environmental protection.
Speaking of environment, our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the designation of 2024 as the SCO Year of Ecology and the establishment of cooperative relations between the SCO and the United Nations Environment Programme.
The summit aims to further our collective goals of addressing security challenges, enhancing trade and economic cooperation, promoting environmental protection, and strengthening the bonds of friendship among SCO member states.
In line with these objectives, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed the SCO Initiative “On World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony.” This initiative emphasizes collaboration among member states to foster global stability and peace. It has received unanimous support and is expected to be adopted at the summit.
It is evident that Kazakhstan’s role as the host of the SCO Summit highlights the growing influence of middle powers like our nation on the global stage.
As a middle power, our country has become a hub for international diplomacy, frequently visited by leaders from around the world seeking closer ties.
In addition to the SCO, Kazakhstan is also chairing five other major international organisations this year – the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and the Islamic Organisation for Food Security.
This is a testament to President Tokayev’s effective foreign policy, which is grounded in the principles of balanced and pragmatic diplomacy.
Our approach emphasizes maintaining constructive relations with all major global players, including both our Eastern and Western partners.
As President Tokayev recently stated, this strategy is rooted in our commitment to multilateral cooperation and adherence to the United Nations Charter.
Kazakh diplomacy, with its focus on finding solutions to complex international issues, will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the SCO Summit.
As the largest economy in the region, Kazakhstan accounts for 60% of the overall GDP of all five Central Asian states and registered economic growth of 5.1% last year, almost twice the projected rate of global growth. In 2023, we attracted $23 billion FDI, while foreign trade turnover amounted to $140 billion.
We have launched a new investment cycle in line with the highest global standards to ensure that Kazakhstan remains the region’s primary FDI destination. That is why we have established a high-powered investment board to oversee strategic investment projects.
Our strategic location and rich resources make us a key link in the global supply chain. Kazakhstan also offers untapped opportunities in natural resources, such as raw critical materials. We produce and process over half of the 34 essential raw materials included in the list of critical raw materials designated as such by the EU.
In light of geopolitical developments, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is rapidly gaining popularity as an alternative trade route. Cargo transportation along the TITR exceeded 2.76 million tonnes in 2023, a 65% increase compared to 2022 or 3 times more than in 2021. This figure is expected to reach 4.2 million tonnes in 2024.
Dear friends,
In addition to our foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives, Kazakhstan’s voice on the world stage can also be attributed to the significant reforms initiated by President Tokayev.
Since 2019, four comprehensive packages of political reforms have been successfully implemented. These reforms have reduced presidential powers, empowered Parliament, and enhanced local governance by enabling voters to directly elect mayors.
These changes mark a significant shift toward a more democratic and modern state, characterised by pluralism of opinions and a more diverse public discourse.
The emergence of multiple (six) political parties within Parliament has fostered a healthy debate, essential for the growth of our democracy.
President Tokayev’s vision of a new political reality is expressed through support for the freedom of speech, open competition, and constructive dialogue between authorities and society.
As President Tokayev recently pointed out, Kazakhstan stands out as the only country in the wider region to adopt a single seven-year term for the president.
The recently enacted law on combating domestic violence is a testament to our dedication to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society, including children.
The international community has recognised and welcomed these efforts, which have laid a strong foundation for continued modernisation in our country.
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
In conclusion, let me once again stress that the SCO Summit aims to facilitate a future rooted in cooperation, peace, and mutual prosperity.
The decisions made at this summit will shape the future of not only our region but also the broader international community.
Your perspectives as journalists are invaluable, helping to convey the spirit of the SCO and the efforts of Kazakhstan to the world.
Thank you for your participation, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have.
