Kassym-Jomart Tokaev was interviewed by Armenian mass media

On the eve of his upcoming visit to the Republic of Armenia, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave an exclusive interview to the news agency Armenpressreports Liter.kz.

— Dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich, this September marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Armenia and Kazakhstan. How would you characterize the current dynamics of development of Armenian-Kazakh relations?

“Indeed, this year is special and symbolic for bilateral relations, both in terms of significant dates and content. The fundamental interstate document adopted by Kazakhstan and Armenia in 1999 – the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation – laid a reliable foundation for Kazakh-Armenian multifaceted relations. All these years we have strictly adhered to its provisions, expanding and deepening ties between our countries and peoples in every possible way. At the present stage, relations between Astana and Yerevan are characterized by open political dialogue, dynamic growth of cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, and comprehensively developed cultural and humanitarian contacts. Our countries have gained positive experience of working together on the world stage. There is mutual support for our initiatives and candidacies when nominated to various international institutions. Close cooperation has been established within the framework of such multilateral platforms as the UN, CIS, EAEU, CSTO, OSCE, etc. Taking this opportunity, I would like to wish success to the Armenian presidency in the Eurasian Economic Union. Interparliamentary partnership is developing on a systematic basis. Interaction at the intergovernmental level is carried out dynamically. The legal and contractual framework is progressively expanding. During my upcoming visit to Armenia we will adopt a number of new documents. The basic basis of relations between Kazakhstan and Armenia is trade and economic cooperation. Over the past five years, mutual trade has grown 3.5 times. In 2023, trade turnover increased by 23%. Of course, trade volumes do not correspond to our potential, but there are objective reasons for this related to complex transport logistics between countries. Nevertheless, export-import opportunities indicate the presence of niches for a significant expansion of mutual trade. The recently held Business Forum in Yerevan with the participation of entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan and Armenia clearly demonstrated this. Here, the key institution of interstate interaction is the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. By the way, 25 years have also passed since its creation. We are determined to further deepen and expand our ties. A practical confirmation of our intentions is the decision to open additional offices of honorary consuls of Kazakhstan in the Ararat and Aragatsotn regions of Armenia this year. I am sure that existing plans to establish twinning relations between Astana and Yerevan, as well as other cities, will also contribute to this. The development of business cooperation and tourism is facilitated by the opening of direct flights on the route “Aktau – Yerevan – Aktau” in 2023. At the same time, our plans to increase official and business trips require the establishment of direct flights between the two capitals. The cultural and humanitarian sphere, which covers art, sports, tourism, education, healthcare and much more, is filled with practical content. In general, the level of Kazakh-Armenian relations, based on friendship, trust and mutual understanding, meets the interests of the two peoples. I am confident that through joint efforts we will be able to give new impetus to the entire range of multifaceted ties between Kazakhstan and Armenia.

— How do you see the future of Armenian-Kazakh cooperation? What priority areas of interaction would you highlight, and what would you say, in particular, about economic cooperation?

— As I have already noted, there is great potential for further deepening interaction in a variety of areas. We are pleased with the socio-economic successes of the Republic of Armenia. Your country is achieving clear results in all key sectors of the economy, ensuring high rates of development among the EAEU countries. This is confirmed by last year’s GDP growth in Armenia at 8.7% with a minimal level of inflation (the increase in consumer prices was only 2%). In this regard, we attach paramount importance to the further comprehensive development of economic ties. Today, our country is ready to increase exports of 70 types of goods, both raw materials and finished goods, for a total amount of $350 million. These are products of the metallurgical, petrochemical, food industries, construction and agricultural industries. Considering that until 2011 wheat was one of the leading items of Kazakh export to Armenia, I consider it important to resume supplies of wheat and other food products to large retail chains in Armenia. I believe that our Armenian partners also have similar proposals. Industrial cooperation is also promising. It is important for us to create joint projects that link our countries. Our investment cooperation needs intensive development and promotion. Today, a favorable investment climate has been created in Kazakhstan. All necessary tools have been created to support foreign investment. We also note great opportunities in the field of digitalization. Kazakhstan is pursuing a targeted policy to transform itself into one of the largest digital hubs in the Eurasian space. Over the last 3 years alone, the export of our IT services has grown 3 times and reached $500 million. By 2026, it should reach at least $1 billion. An important factor in deepening economic cooperation is the formation of cost-effective and high-speed ground logistics between our countries. Expanding air traffic will give mobility to businesses and citizens and open up new opportunities in the tourism sector. All the areas I have named should become integral components of economic interaction. Having a high multiplier effect, they will contribute to the development of other related industries. Directly answering your question, I see the future of our relations in strict compliance with accepted bilateral obligations and expansion of the legal framework, in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our peoples, in deepening contacts in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. — Over the past 15 years, Kazakhstan has invested about $35 billion in the development of transport infrastructure. You are pursuing a course to achieve diversification of transport routes and increase the transit potential of your country. At the same time, the Government of the Republic of Armenia presented the “Crossroads of the World” project, the goal of which is to connect the Persian and Oman Gulfs, the Black, Caspian and Mediterranean Seas with a single regional railway network and North-South and East-West highways. In your opinion, what multiplier effect can the combination of these two projects lead to? What does that require? — You are right, over the past 15 years Kazakhstan has made a significant leap in the development of its transport infrastructure, becoming one of the important transit hubs between Europe and Asia. 13 transport corridors pass through the territory of Kazakhstan, including 5 railway and 8 road. In total, over 10 trillion tenge (about $35 billion) have been invested in the development of the transport and logistics complex and transit potential of our country. Over 13 thousand km of roads of republican significance were laid and modernized and 2.5 thousand km of new railway lines were built. The volume of cargo transit through the territory of Kazakhstan in 2023 reached 32.3 million tons, an increase of 21%. Last year, construction and installation work covered 10.7 thousand km of roads, including 6.5 thousand km of roads of republican significance. In the field of railway transport, the volume of cargo transportation increased by 3% – to 297 million tons. We are systematically updating our rolling stock, including locomotives, freight and passenger cars. In the field of maritime transport in 2023, the volume of transportation through our ports amounted to 7.2 million tons, which is 11% more than in 2022. Terminal capacities are expanding. Thus, in the seaport of Kuryk, with the participation of private investments, last year a new grain terminal with a capacity of 1 million tons was built and 2 oil tankers were purchased. One of the promising transport projects is the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Thanks to its favorable geographical location in the center of Eurasia, Kazakhstan is an important link in the continental transport architecture. Cargo transportation via TMTM in 2023 increased by 65% ​​- to 2.8 million tons, including a 2.5-fold increase in the export of Kazakhstani products. Along with exports, there is also an increase in import cargo traffic. This, in turn, shows the interest of European companies in the Trans-Caspian route. Last year, the railway administrations of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia created a joint venture, Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd, in order to establish logistics services based on the “single window” principle, unify tariff policy and ensure the stability of transportation along the TMTM. Currently, a number of European countries have expressed a desire to join this route, and some are already carrying out this work. In this regard, the importance of the South Caucasus in the transport system of Eurasia has increased significantly. Therefore, the “Crossroads of the World” project, initiated by the Armenian side, as a new transport idea deserves attention and comprehensive study from the point of view of its inclusion in the regional logistics structure of interconnectedness. To effectively promote projects, the main thing is that all interested parties reach mutually acceptable agreements on further unblocking communications in the region. The full functioning of transport links is an important step towards the economic integration of the entire South Caucasus and the establishment of lasting peace in the region. Connecting regional transport projects can lead to a significant multiplier effect both regionally, uniting Central Asia and the South Caucasus, and for individual countries. The development of transport communications is, first of all, an investment, which means new technologies, jobs, supplies of equipment and raw materials, production, export-import operations, and the work of banks. Thus, entire sectors of the economy will be involved. This will also have a positive impact on the well-being of regions along transit corridors. I would like to note that transportation between Kazakhstan and Armenia today is carried out mainly by road, which significantly limits our capabilities. In this regard, the promotion of new routes in the region will undoubtedly help build up bilateral trade and economic ties.

— In the current conditions, when there is high, sometimes tragic, turbulence in various parts of the world, how important is it to adhere to the principles of territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and sovereignty in international relations, as well as to ensure compliance with the obligations assumed and agreements reached?

— I have repeatedly expressed my position on the problems facing modern international law. Kazakhstan invariably maintains its fundamental commitment to the norms and principles of international law embodied in the UN Charter. In this context, the central role of the UN in international affairs and the preservation of peace and stability remains uncontested for Kazakhstan. The modern global security architecture faces unprecedented challenges. Growing blocism, geopolitical fragmentation and erosion of the principles of international law are intensifying the crisis of mistrust, undermining the role and authority of international institutions. The practice of non-compliance, suspension and withdrawal from key multilateral agreements is of utmost concern as it can lead to irreversible consequences. When everyone perceives the path to peace in their own way and promotes their own model of peace, without regard to the interests of others, this becomes a source of tension. In this regard, I am firmly convinced that any contradictions, including those relating to the territorial integrity of states, must be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic dialogue in accordance with the norms and principles of the UN Charter. The system of values ​​established within the UN must remain a guideline for ensuring security and stability in the world. Kazakhstan shares a common desire for justice in international affairs, for peace, cooperation and solutions based on the equality of states. In this vein, we are steadily promoting the initiative “On World Unity for a Just Peace and Harmony” and count on the support of all our partners. I am convinced that at the present stage only collective efforts of states, wise, highly professional diplomacy can lead to long-term stability in the world and universal progress, building a fair system of international relations based on the UN Charter.

— Kazakhstan has repeatedly acted in the international arena as an initiator and supporter of peacekeeping initiatives. In your opinion, can Astana have new initiatives in this area?

— As an active and responsible participant in the world community, Kazakhstan constantly makes its contribution to ensuring international and regional security by promoting peacekeeping initiatives. Our country is a generally recognized leader in the matter of disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the creation of zones free of nuclear weapons. Using its experience in the global anti-nuclear movement, Kazakhstan made a significant contribution to the organization of multilateral negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program. In 2013, two rounds of negotiations were organized in Astana, which gave impetus to the resumption of the G6 and Iran format. The result of these efforts, as is known, was the signing of a joint comprehensive action plan on Iran in 2015. Another significant contribution of Kazakhstan to ensuring international stability and security is providing its platform for resolving the long-term Syrian conflict. From 2017 to the present, 21 rounds of negotiations have been held within the framework of the Astana process. The contribution of this international platform to resolving the conflict in Syria is recognized by the UN and many world leaders. An important area of ​​Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is peacekeeping activities within the UN. Since 2014, more than 600 Kazakh military personnel have taken part in UN peacekeeping missions. Currently, our peacekeepers are participating in UN missions in Lebanon, Western Sahara, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have also participated in the UN mission in Mali since 2022. From March 15 of this year. For the first time in the history of our state, the Kazakh peacekeeping contingent was deployed to the UN Mission on the Golan Heights as an independent unit of 139 people, including 7 women. As for the new initiatives that interest you, the question arises about the situation around the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. Of course, Kazakhstan does not remain indifferent to this topic. We are interested in the speedy conclusion of a peace treaty between two states that are friendly to us. Establishing a strong and long-term peace between Yerevan and Baku is in the interests of our country. As an initiator and supporter of peacekeeping initiatives, Kazakhstan is ready to support any efforts aimed at the peaceful and stable development of our region.

— Mr. President, how do you assess cooperation between Armenia and Kazakhstan in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, what prospects do you see for the development of interaction in these areas?

— I would like to note that throughout history, spiritual and cultural ties have served as a natural connecting bridge, playing an important role in bringing our peoples closer together. Today, the cultural and humanitarian bloc is one of the active and developed areas of Kazakh-Armenian cooperation. The basic document is the intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Culture dated November 6, 2006. In addition, sectoral memorandums and cooperation programs have been signed between the relevant ministries and departments, on the basis of which systematic work is carried out in various areas of cultural, educational and research exchange. I would especially like to emphasize that Kazakhstan highly values ​​the respect shown to the heritage of the Kazakh people in Armenia. I know that in Yerevan there are streets of Dzhambul and Almaty. Since 2010, the Center for Kazakh Language, Culture and History named after Abai has been operating at the Department of Turkic Studies of Yerevan State University. In turn, a street named after Aram Khachaturian was opened in our capital, and Armenian Street in Almaty. In our joint plans, we are considering opening new streets in honor of the great sons of our peoples. Undoubtedly, such events have a deep meaning and are received with great enthusiasm by the scientific and creative communities of the two countries. The Cultural Program for 2023-2025 provides for strengthening cooperation in the fields of musical and choreographic art, museums and libraries, cinema and historical and cultural heritage. Traditionally, our countries hold various joint events, including festivals, exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances. Thus, in 2023, a solo concert of the famous Kazakh performer Dimash Kudaibergen, Days of the Kazakh Theater in Armenia, and a tour of the ensemble of the Kazakh National Theater took place in Yerevan. M. Auezov from Almaty and the regional drama theater from Kostanay. In turn, Kazakhstan hosted concerts of Armenian groups dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding composer and conductor Aram Khachaturian. In the fall of this year, it is planned to hold Days of Armenian Culture in Kazakhstan. This is a landmark event, during which our viewers will have the opportunity to get acquainted with a wide palette of creative life in Armenia. There is great potential for strengthening ties in the field of education and contacts between the youth of the two countries. Youth are not only the locomotive of positive changes in our countries. It is the younger generation who will have to build further cooperation between the two states on the basis of friendship, respect and mutual understanding. In this regard, an urgent task for us is to support educational and student exchanges. Athletes from the two countries regularly participate in various competitions held in our countries. The Armenian national team has been invited to the 5th World Nomad Games, which will take place in September this year in Astana. During my upcoming visit to Yerevan, the authorized ministries of Kazakhstan and Armenia will sign a Cooperation Program for 2024-2026. in the field of physical education and sports. The exchange of cultural, student, and sports delegations should become an important platform for bringing our peoples closer together, establishing contacts and friendship between citizens, and developing tourism.

— How would you assess the role of the Armenian community of Kazakhstan in the context of further deepening cooperation between the two countries?

— The Armenian community is an integral part of Kazakh society, occupying a special place in the ethnic palette of Kazakhstan. More than 20 thousand representatives of the Armenian people live in our country. There are 31 ethnocultural associations of Armenians, whose activities are aimed at popularizing the national culture, language, traditions and history. The Kazakhstani model of interethnic and interfaith harmony is one of the important criteria by which our country is recognized in the world. Kazakhstan has become a common home for 130 ethnic groups and 17 religious denominations. With such diversity, Kazakhstan has developed a unique model of interethnic unity and managed to turn this diversity to the benefit of society. As you know, in September 2003, the First Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions took place in Astana. This forum has received wide recognition in the international community, becoming a recognizable brand of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. The Republic of Armenia actively supports this initiative. Representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church take part in the work of the Congress on an ongoing basis. Today, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) plays an important role in the implementation of state ethnopolitics. Since 2022, the ANC has been represented in the highest legislative body – the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Representatives of the Armenian diaspora in Kazakhstan are active members of Kazakh society and, as participants in the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, make a significant contribution to the development of our state and the promotion of Armenian culture. For the full implementation of their main activities, Armenian ethnocultural associations, along with other ethnic groups, are provided with premises in friendship houses in the regions of the country. Conditions have been created for the work of Sunday language schools, dance and music groups, which contributes to the preservation and development of national culture and traditions. Today, representatives of the Armenian community are directly involved in the implementation of state policy to strengthen interethnic harmony in Kazakhstan. In general, I can say with confidence that the time-tested Kazakh-Armenian relations of friendship and mutual understanding have the brightest future.