Foreign Policy
Overview
Kazakhstan’s foreign policy was formulated shortly after Kazakhstan gained its independence on December 16, 1991. The first President of the independent Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, indicated that diplomacy’s main objective was to create and maintain favorable conditions for steady development of the Kazakhstan based on political and economic reforms. The nature of these reforms determines the nation’s foreign policy priorities, impartiality, and a desire to be fully involved in both international and regional events.
Primary Goals
The primary goals of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy are as follows:
* Protect national interests.
* Provide favorable conditions for political and economic development.
* Develop strategic cooperation with leading countries and regions of the
world.
* Improve cooperation with international organizations.
* Strengthen democratic principles within the new world order.
* Contribute to global and regional security and stability while opposing new
threats such as, terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime.
* Participate in the processes of regional and global economic integration.
* Promote democracy as well as social and human development.
* Protect the environment and sustain development.
Key Decisions
The Government made key decisions and adopted policies regarding:
* The military
* Politics
* Economics
* Democratic reforms
* A new state governing system
These decisions were essential in easing Kazakhstan’s transition to the world community and helped create a foreign policy in harmony with the global political trend towards liberalization.
One of the most important decisions Kazakhstan made during the last 15 years was to become a non-nuclear state and pursue a policy of nonproliferation. Kazakhstan’s diplomacy was successful in developing positive relations with 140 countries and helping it to become a member of 64 international political and economic organizations. In March 1992, Kazakhstan was accepted into the United Nations Organization and has played an active role in its initiatives for the past 18 years. There have been no conflicts or confrontations between Kazakhstan and other countries to date, thus further underscoring the effectiveness of the nation’s diplomacy.
Global Integration
Kazakhstan has signed more than 1,300 international and intergovernmental contracts and agreements establishing a practical, contractual, and legal framework for relations with other countries. Furthermore, to create conditions required for integration into global and regional processes, Kazakhstan has established active cooperation with the majority of North American, European, and Asian countries as well as their chief regional organizations, including the:
* Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
* Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
* Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)
Participation in regional and global affairs and events is necessary to strengthening Kazakhstan’s independence. The nation is involved in several global transformation processes that highlight the issue of interdependence. Problems that were once considered domestic or regional now have a larger impact on the world, causing globalization to become the dominant factor in world politics. Although interdependence is a factor in areas such as finance, technology, and information technology (IT), the globalization of the economy is gaining influence and importance in society as it affects major political decisions.
Foreign policy has become an integral part of Kazakhstan’s state policy. Consequently, the Republic has found ways to coordinate its own interests with those of other countries. Kazakhstan is represented by more than 70 diplomatic and consular offices worldwide. In the realm of diplomacy, the Republic has achieved several important milestones:
* Enactment of the Law on Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan
* Establishment of Kazakhstan's foreign policy and international cooperation
* Gaining respect in the international community
* Increasing recognition of the Republic’s foreign policy’s principles within the diplomatic community
For the first time in its history, Kazakhstan was elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in November 2006. It gained the support of 187 of 192 UN member states at the General Assembly—significantly more than the required two-thirds vote.
Regional Alliances
Kazakhstan continues to develop regional alliances in every corner of the world because of the increasing significance of globalization and economic integration. Many countries recognize their national goals can only be achieved through developing regional cooperation. For this reason, Kazakhstan has undertaken efforts to promote regional economic integration. For example, the city of Astana has increased its cooperation with the:
* Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
* Eurasian Economic Association
* Central Asian Economic Association
* Shanghai Cooperation Organization
In early 2005, Kazakhstan called on its neighbors to help establish the Central Asian Union based on the following shared characteristics:
* History
* Ethnicity
* Culture
* Economy
* Challenges
* Future interests
During a 1992 meeting with the UN, President Nazarbayev called for an initiative to establish the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building measures in Asia (CICA), designed to develop and strengthen security and related organizations. Many Asian nations encouraged this initiative and a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, supported the process. In June 2002, the first CICA summit took place, and the “Almaty Act,” which outlines the principles of security and cooperation in Asia, was adopted.
Kazakhstan continues to develop regional alliances in every corner of the world because of the increasing significance of globalization and economic integration. Many countries recognize their national goals can only be achieved through developing regional cooperation. For this reason, Kazakhstan has undertaken efforts to promote regional economic integration. For example, the city of Astana has increased its cooperation with the:* Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
* Eurasian Economic Association
* Central Asian Economic Association
* Shanghai Cooperation Organization
In early 2005, Kazakhstan called on its neighbors to help establish the Central Asian Union based on the following shared characteristics:
* History
* Ethnicity
* Culture
* Economy
* Challenges
* Future interests
During a 1992 meeting with the UN, President Nazarbayev called for an initiative to establish the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building measures in Asia (CICA), designed to develop and strengthen security and related organizations. Many Asian nations encouraged this initiative and a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, supported the process. In June 2002, the first CICA summit took place, and the “Almaty Act,” which outlines the principles of security and cooperation in Asia, was adopted.
Kazakhstan’s Stance on Current International Issues
Kazakhstan believes new threats to regional and global peace and stability require collective political will and global effort. Such threats include:
* International terrorism
* Drug trafficking
* Interethnic and religious conflicts
* Humanitarian crises
* Poverty and epidemics
* Illegal migration
* Man-made environmental disasters
The root causes of these threats lie in economic and political underdevelopment and degradation. Therefore, comprehensive agreement on collective mechanisms and instruments is essential to successfully address these threats.
Afghanistan
The UN and its Security Council are the most appropriate commissions to accomplish this two-fold task. Kazakhstan supports the UN and looks to it to undertake effective efforts to address these new threats. The UN can play a decisive role in preserving cultural diversity and civilization in Afghanistan
Kazakhstan favors a comprehensive and continued international effort, led by the UN, to bring lasting peace, economic recovery, and humanitarian relief to Afghanistan. Illegal drug production and trafficking in Afghanistan remain major international concerns, particularly for neighboring countries like Kazakhstan. Consequently, Kazakhstan joined the International Antiterrorist Coalition and pledged assistance to the Afghan Government at the 2006 London Afghanistan Compact Conference. At the international conference in Afghanistan later that year, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister offered a concept of a “broader Central Asia” that envisions Afghanistan’s active economic cooperation with Central Asian countries. The institution of this concept could greatly contribute to the recovery and integration of Afghanistan both regionally and globally.
Iraq
Although the 2005 election was an important milestone in Iraq’s recovery, Kazakhstan believes the UN should continue to play an active and effective role in the nation by cooperating with Iraqi authorities and the international community. Joint efforts should ensure the following for Iraq:
* Independence
* Territorial integrity
* Sovereignty
In cooperating with international efforts, Kazakhstan has sent a unit of 30 military engineers to join the International Stabilization forces in Iraq.
The Middle East
Kazakhstan supports the “road map” for the Middle East developed by the United States as a framework for establishing the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine. To achieve this vision, the four sponsors of the Middle East Process must come to a consensus on how to fairly determine the legitimate interests and rights of both parties. Additionally, it is essential that Israel and Palestine demonstrate serious and significant signs of commitment before any additional steps are taken.
Iran’s Nuclear Program
As a state that voluntarily denounced nuclear weapons, Kazakhstan is committed to the principles of nonproliferation and the peaceful civilian use of nuclear energy. Therefore, Iran’s nuclear program remains a major concern as it affects both regional and global security.
Kazakhstan supports the Treaty of the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which allows nations to undertake nuclear research and use atomic energy for peaceful purposes. However, they must cooperate closely with the UN and comply with the transparency and non-proliferation safeguards under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Kazakhstan believes diplomatic means must be employed by all invested countries to resolve the international issue related to Iran’s nuclear development program.
Commitment to Assist Afghanistan
Kazakhstan has been cooperating with the United States on rebuilding Afghanistan because it plays a crucial role in Central Asia’s long-term security and stability. Recently, Kazakhstan provided air corridors for the “Enduring Freedom” operation, similar to arrangements made with Germany at the end of 2007.
Additionally, Kazakhstan demonstrated its commitment to Afghanistan by launching several humanitarian projects from 2006 to 2007. These initiatives, in accord with the Afghanistan Compact and Bonn process, include:
* Increasing humanitarian aid by granting $1 million to Afghanistan
* Providing scholarships for 100 Afghani students to study at national universities
* Developing Afghanistan’s mining industry in Logar and Bamyan provinces in accordance with the Memorandum of Cooperation, the Investment Fund of Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Industry
* Signing a Protocol with the Afghanistan Government to build a railway from Termez, Uzbekistan to Kabul, Afghanistan that will allow further access to the transportation infrastructure of India
* Receiving the First Vice-President of Afghanistan, A. Masud, from June 13 to 15, 2007
* Hosting the first session of the Joint Intergovernmental Trade and Economic Commission in Astana from September 17-18. Meaningful discussion took place on how to enhance cooperation on important issues such as infrastructure development, (the construction of railway roads and highways), and investments in Afghanistan’s industry.
* Accepting an invitation to operate its bank sector in Afghanistan
* Training Afghanistan’s police and internal security service
* Helping Afghanistan implement the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
* Adopting the Action Plan to Assist the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on October 11, 2008. This plan strongly encourages the Kazakh private sector to explore opportunities with international investors in the areas of:
o Infrastructure
o Industry
o Agriculture
o Education
* Dividing the 2008 budget of $3 million into humanitarian aid and infrastructure projects:
o $0.5 million: Provide food, corn, and agricultural seed supply to Afghanistan
o $0.28 million: Construct a school in the Samangan province
o $0.57 million: Create a hospital in the Bamyan province of Afghanistan
o $1.65 million: Build an asphalt or dirt road in one province
Contributions to International Security
During the first years of its independent development, the Republic of Kazakhstan acted as an independent body of international law. Since then, the Republic of Kazakhstan has actively established military and political mechanisms to address major international challenges. Furthermore, it joined international efforts aimed at strengthening global security. Kazakhstan renounced its nuclear power, thus confirming its intention to follow the principles of cooperation and non-confrontation in international relations.
As a USSR successor, the Republic of Kazakhstan played an important role in major negotiations concerning disarmament, arms control, and confidence-building measures. Some of the most crucial agreements involved:
* Reducing strategic arms
* Eliminating short- and medium-range missiles
* Removing conventional arms forces in Europe
In August 1991, President Nazarbayev signed a historic decree to close the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.
On December 29, 1991, the Almaty Declaration was signed by leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine, who agreed to the control mechanisms over the operation of the former USSR’s nuclear arsenal and affirmed their international obligations concerning strategic arms reduction.
On May 23, 1992, representatives of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States signed a five-party Protocol to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan all possessed nuclear weapons but committed to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, marking a landmark decision in Kazakhstan’s history.
The following month, Kazakhstan ratified both the Strategic Arms Treaty and the Lisbon Protocol. In accordance with the Lisbon Protocol, Kazakhstan, Belarus, the Ukraine, Russia, and the United States agreed to participate in the work of the joint Commission on observance and inspection. As a result, more than 9,000 nuclear warheads were disarmed and eliminated in 1994. Kazakhstan, however, was the first among these participants to commence in the eradication of nuclear warheads and removed 1,416 by April 21, 1996.
In December 1993, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan ratified the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). In doing so, Kazakhstan further demonstrated its commitment to international matters and its desire to help resolve international security issues.
In December 1994, the memorandum on the extension of security guaranties to Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine presented by Russia, Great Britain, and the United States was signed at the summit of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). China and France also confirmed their collective obligation to respect the independence and the territorial integrity of Kazakhstan and to secure it from economic blockade.
In a statement made on April 14, 1995, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared its support for Resolution 984. Drafted by the Security Council of the UN, the resolution guaranteed an extension of security guarantees to non-nuclear states.
Following precedent, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed during the 51st General Assembly of the United Nations in 1996, marking yet another essential step in the process of strategic arms reduction.
In 1996, Kazakhstan shut down its nuclear testing site, dismantled its infrastructure, and signed agreements concerning nuclear arms. Currently, Kazakhstan is implementing the proposals made by President Nazarbayev during the Disarmament Conference concerning Kazakhstan’s seismic stations in the International Monitoring System.
Russia, China, as well as representatives of the UN, IAEA, and other international non-governmental organizations signed the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty on September 8, 2006 in recognition of damage inflicted on the people and environment of Kazakhstan over the past 40 years, with over 500 nuclear test explosions conducted in Semipalatinsk. During this ceremony, the entire region formally renewed its firm commitment to nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. The treaty was also an effective contribution to combating threats to peace and preventing nuclear fissile materials from falling into the hands of terrorists groups.
This new zone in Central Asia includes several unique features:
* Kazakhstan, located within the zone, once possessed the fourth largest nuclear arsenal.
* The treaty is the first multilateral agreement in an area that brings all five Central Asian countries together.
* The denuclearized zone is located in the northern hemisphere and borders two nuclear states, Russia and China.
The Treaty will not only enhance Central Asia’s security but will also be an important measure in improving regional confidence and cooperation. Parties to the Treaty will jointly perform the following:
* Exchange key information
* Verify procedures
On January 14, 1993, Kazakhstan signed the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC). Kazakhstan is an observer in the Working Group of the Convention on Prohibition of the Development, Production, and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC).
As successor to the USSR in matters concerning the Conventional Arms Treaty Forces in Europe (CFE Treaty) and all respective documents, Kazakhstan signed an agreement on the principles and sequences of implementation of the treaty along with the Concluding Act of Negotiations on the personnel strength of the conventional armed forces in Europe. The Supreme Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan ratified the treaty and the agreement on July 2, 1992.
The Government of Kazakhstan’s contribution to the nuclear disarmament program demonstrates its commitment to the objectives of global security, establishing Kazakhstan as a critical member of the world community.
Domestic and OSCE Political Agenda
In May 2007, Kazakhstan modified its Constitution by:
* Allowing for two consecutive presidential terms of five years each
* Increasing the powers of Parliament
* Introducing a proportional representation to elect members of the Majilis (Lower House)
* Establishing a party-based parliamentary system
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin outlined the agenda of Kazakhstan’s priorities and further political reforms at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE) Ministerial Meeting on November 29, 2007 in Madrid. The Madrid commitments were incorporated into the 2008 “State-of-the-Nation” address, in which President Nazarbayev declared that the government, judiciary, and legislature, in close cooperation with the ODHIR/OSCE, international NGOs, and Kazakh civil society, are to define and implement upcoming political reforms.
OSCE Chairmanship
In its role as the 2010 OSCE Chairman-in-Office (CiO), the Republic of Kazakhstan intends to follow the “Ministerial Troika” of 2009-2011 and the newly developed “Quintet” format. Kazakhstan, the first non-European CiO, will pay specific attention to its Chairmanship agenda by focusing on longstanding OSCE agenda items, such as:
* Democracy
* Human rights
* Unresolved conflicts
At the same time, Kazakhstan intends to introduce its own agenda:
* Security – Strengthening security in Central Asia is one of the most important priorities of Kazakhstan’s efforts within the OSCE. In addition, Kosovo’s independence can potentially help end unresolved conflicts in Transcaucasia (Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia) and other European regions (Crimea, Moldavia).
* Inter-religious tolerance – Kazakhstan will enhance international laws that strengthen inter-religious and ethnic tolerance within the OSCE’s zone of responsibility. Foreign Minister Tazhin’s 2008 commitments to cooperate with the OIC and OSCE also illustrate Kazakhstan’s determination in strengthening inter-religious and interethnic dialogue at all levels.
* Energy security – In support of the European Union energy security agenda, Kazakhstan will strengthen alternative energy. This corresponds with the United States’ policies of energy security, such as the Clean Technology Fund, that focus on alternative energy and the development of clean energy technologies.
* Economic dimension – The core of Kazakstan’s economic vision consists of the following goals:
o Promote systemic market reforms
o Enhance healthy financial systems and markets
o Improve governance
o Increase transparency
o Expand anti-corruption efforts
These goals, along with additional assistance and significant investments, will be directed towards OSCE member countries, including:
* Georgia
* Kyrgyzstan
* Tajikistan
* Armenia
* Ukraine
* Romania
* Bulgaria
* Turkey
Political integration
Kazakhstan is the only Central Asian (CA) country to adopt a government plan to provide $3 million in aid to assist Afghanistan. Accordingly, Kazakhstan will construct a highway, build a school and hospital, and supply agricultural stock to Afghanistan. This nation has also become one of Kazakhstan’s national security priorities; consequently, methods to enhance cooperation are being discussed in the following fields:
* Trade
* The mining sector
* International auto and air communication
* Mutual protection of investments
