Kassym-Jomart Tokayev says that other peace initiatives launched by different countries should be analyzed, including the plans proposed by China and Brazil. A ceasefire should then be effectively implemented and only after that territorial issues can be discussed.Leaders of states come and go, but people, especially neighboring peoples, must live in peace and mutual understanding.” he explains.
Kazakhstan is in a particularly complex position given that it shares a large stretch of land border with Russia. The balance between the two countries is therefore essential for its survival.Cooperation between our countries is developing within the framework of a strategic partnership and alliance.“, Tokayev said. An escalation or the rise of tension between the two states is therefore not desirable according to the Kazakh president. Nevertheless, he confirms that he does not join Russia regarding its expansionist aims.”In Kazakhstan, they feel genuine sympathy for the Ukrainian people and their unique culture. There have never been any disagreements between our states. The embassy of our country continues to function in kyiv.“, Tokayev specifies. Indeed, in November 2022, a poll revealed that only 13% of the Kazakh population supported Russia, compared to 87% in 2019.
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Since coming to power in March 2019, Tokayev has tried to maintain good relations with Russia, which regularly threatens its neighbor. In 2013, Putin claimed that Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic, had never been a real state. Two Russian MPs also said in 2020 that Kazakhstan was only a “loan” from Russia.
While playing a balancing act in his bilateral relations, President Tokayev has further clarified his position on the invasion of Ukraine. For example, he has refused to recognize the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics claimed by Moscow. Kazakhstan has also become a haven for Russians who refuse to fight and has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
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