Confronting challenges and threats is only possible by joining forces, Nursultan Nazarbayev said at the Astana Club meeting. The First President of Kazakhstan made a number of specific proposals on a unique intellectual platform where lively and unbiased discussions are taking place. This also applied to the situation in Afghanistan. The initiative of establishing the UN International Center for the Rehabilitation of Afghanistan in Almaty is becoming increasingly relevant, he noted. Threats of the spread of COVID-19, confrontation of world powers and nuclear disarmament were also among the topics discussed.
“On this platform, we strive to outline new common grounds to unite the vast space of Greater Eurasia. This is the main mission of our Club, which has already established its unique niche in the international arena,” Nazarbayev said.
The Eurasian countries need a systemic dialogue. Regional international associations that have long operated, including with third countries, can be a tool in this regard.
“It is time to develop direct contacts between the Eurasian Economic Union, the European Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Organization of Turkic States. In this regard, I propose to create a four-sided economic forum ‘Greater Eurasia’, where our countries could discuss and promote all possibilities of cooperation in Eurasia,” the First President said.
At a time when the world is facing another threat, namely nuclear weapons, there is a long-standing need to develop a working mechanism for the non-proliferation of these weapons. Nursultan Nazarbayev had previously proposed to develop a step-by-step plan. The alliance, also initiated by him, can become a central platform and a driving force.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova
Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova
