Kazakhstan’s President on balancing Russia, China and the West | Talk to Al Jazeera

Summary

In this interview, Kazakhstan's President Kasim Jomart Tokayev discusses the nation's foreign policy, economic reforms, and challenges faced during his tenure. With Kazakhstan at the crossroads of major global powers, Tokayev emphasizes the country's strategic balancing act between Russia, China, and the West. He outlines his ongoing efforts to modernize Kazakhstan's economy, including tackling wealth inequality and boosting digitalization, while stressing the importance of multilateralism. Tokayev is committed to reforming Kazakhstan's political system, including the introduction of term limits for the presidency, with plans to step down by 2029, fulfilling his promise to the people.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kazakhstan is positioned between Russia and China, making it a crucial player in global geopolitics, particularly with its role in the Belt and Road Initiative and its extensive energy resources.
• 😀 President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasizes Kazakhstan's commitment to reform, despite external challenges like the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 😀 Tokayev stresses that Kazakhstan's foreign policy aims for balance, avoiding over-reliance on any single major power, including Russia and China, while diversifying its transport links with the Middle Corridor project.
• 😀 Despite Kazakhstan's heavy reliance on the CPC pipeline for oil exports to Russia, Tokayev reassures that the country is not overly concerned about the geopolitical implications of the war in Ukraine on energy routes.
• 😀 Kazakhstan strongly supports multilateralism and believes middle powers, like Kazakhstan, should play a more significant role in international peace and security efforts.
• 😀 Tokayev is cautious about Kazakhstan's involvement with BRICS, citing the lack of fixed structures within the organization and Kazakhstan's current status as an observer, pending further evaluation of BRICS' effectiveness.
• 😀 Kazakhstan has experienced strong economic growth, but wealth inequality remains a significant concern, with the top 1% controlling a disproportionate share of national wealth.
• 😀 Kazakhstan plans to become less reliant on hydrocarbons, with a goal of transitioning to a non-hydrocarbon economy by 2060, though energy resources like coal will still play a significant role for decades.
• 😀 Tokayev envisions Kazakhstan as a fully digitalized country within five years, with significant investments in fiber optic networks, IT infrastructure, and artificial intelligence to boost economic modernization.
• 😀 Despite progress, Tokayev acknowledges that political and economic reforms in Kazakhstan need to continue, including addressing bureaucratic hurdles and strengthening the country's institutions for better governance.
• 😀 Tokayev emphasizes that he is committed to his one-term presidency, respecting the limit set for presidential terms in Kazakhstan, and intends to step down in 2029 in alignment with his democratic principles.

Q & A

What challenges have impacted the reform process in Kazakhstan under President Tokayev?

The reform process in Kazakhstan has been impacted by external developments, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which have affected both domestic policies and international relations.

Is Kazakhstan reconsidering its foreign relations and trade partnerships in light of changing global dynamics?

While Kazakhstan is not radically restructuring its foreign policy, it is focused on diversifying transportation routes and trading relationships to avoid over-reliance on any single great power, particularly in terms of energy exports.

What is Kazakhstan's position on its oil exports through Russia's CPC pipeline, especially considering the war in Ukraine?

Kazakhstan views Russia as a strategic partner and intends to continue utilizing the CPC pipeline for oil transport. However, it is also exploring alternative routes to diversify its export options.

How does President Tokayev view the role of middle powers in global governance?

President Tokayev believes that middle powers, like Kazakhstan, should play a more significant role in safeguarding peace and security in the world, particularly in the context of faltering multilateralism.

Why did Kazakhstan delay its application to join BRICS, and what is its stance on the organization's effectiveness?

Kazakhstan's application to join BRICS was delayed due to concerns about the organization’s lack of formal structures and effectiveness. Kazakhstan will remain an observer for now to assess BRICS’ efficiency in addressing global issues.

How does Kazakhstan balance its trade relations with major global powers like China, Russia, and the United States?

Kazakhstan maintains a diversified approach to trade, with the European Union being its largest trading partner, followed by China and Russia. The country also prioritizes attracting investments from the United States despite the smaller trade volume.

What steps is Kazakhstan taking to address wealth inequality within the country?

Kazakhstan is focused on economic growth and improving infrastructure, digitalization, and other key sectors. However, addressing wealth inequality remains a significant challenge, and President Tokayev is committed to building a fairer society by 2029.

What is Kazakhstan’s long-term vision for diversifying its economy away from hydrocarbon dependency?

Kazakhstan aims to become less dependent on hydrocarbon exports by 2060. The country plans to gradually increase the share of non-hydrocarbon sectors, such as digital technology, agriculture, and infrastructure.

How is Kazakhstan addressing challenges in its digital infrastructure and innovation sectors?

Kazakhstan has made notable progress in digitalization, including expanding fiber optic lines and promoting IT exports. The country is focusing on overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and developing a skilled workforce in tech and research.

How does President Tokayev respond to international criticism regarding Kazakhstan’s political and civil freedoms?

President Tokayev acknowledges criticisms of Kazakhstan’s political system but insists that the country is making steady progress in reforming its laws and political institutions. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining stability while continuing reform efforts.