The year 2024 was remarkably eventful in terms of political developments. Kazakhstan hosted international summits and forums, welcoming world leaders. The year also stood out for the country’s initiatives and proposals. Kazakhstan chaired several authoritative international organizations, including the SCO, CSTO, CICA, the Organization of Turkic States, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and the Islamic Organization for Food Security.
«Kazakhstan has carried out all these presidencies with dignity and resulted in specific documents. For example, we can talk about the Central Asian Summit on August 9, when a consultative meeting led to the adoption of a number of documents, such as the Concept of Development of Central Asia until 2040. This is a comprehensive document, which, in essence, determines the region’s future development and its interaction with external players,» said Aidar Kurmashev, head of the Asian Studies Department at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS).
«Tajikistan acknowledges Kazakhstan’s valuable contribution as the SCO chair this year. There has been a significant focus on sustainable development, including environmental issues,» stressed Khayriddin Usmonzoda, director of the Center for Strategic Research under the President of Tajikistan.
Kazakhstan always strives to expand trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties with foreign countries. This is evidenced by specific bilateral documents signed during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s international visits. This year alone, he made over 20 trips and held more than 600 meetings in total. 2024 began with Italy and continued with visits to the Vatican, Qatar, Tatarstan, Azerbaijan, China, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Russia, Singapore, France, Serbia, and many other countries. Kazakhstan also welcomed numerous leaders to Astana.
German analysts have included Kazakhstan in the list of countries playing a vital role on the world stage. The German Foundation for Science and Politics has called the country a «Middle Power». The country’s well-known initiatives – such as nuclear disarmament, serving as a platform for negotiations, humanitarian aid, and UN peacekeeping efforts – have also helped strengthen its position as a global player.
«Kazakhstan is a very important player in many UN institutions. Kazakhstan is a member of the Human Rights Council together with the Netherlands at the moment. So, we see Kazakhstan as a very important country, partner. So, we hope that Kazakhstan will continue its role in this regard,» noted Dutch Ambassador to Central Asia Nico Schermers.
Kazakhstan is also highly responsive to global challenges and threats. In 2024, Tokayev paid much attention to the climate agenda, presenting specific proposals at COP29 in Baku and the One Water Summit co-organized with France. All of them are once again called upon to unite the world community in solving shared problems.
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