Astana, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, a Central Asian nation, is transforming globally as it strengthens international ties, fosters economic partnerships, and promotes peace and stability. With its strategic location, economic initiatives, diplomatic efforts, and cultural outreach, Kazakhstan is poised to play a significant role in shaping regional and global affairs. President Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized that Kazakhstan is not just a land of steppes but a land of opportunities, contributing to global stability, economic development, and cultural enrichment. As the world navigates the 21st-century challenges, Kazakhstan’s expanding global integration serves as a shining example of harnessing its potential to build a brighter, more interconnected future for all.
Kazakhstan, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is the ninth-largest country in the world by land area and shares borders with Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. This unique position allows Kazakhstan to shape regional and global affairs.
Kazakhstan has actively participated in international economic organizations, including the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which strengthens economic ties with neighboring countries and creates a favorable business environment for international investors. The country’s “Nurly Zhol” program, launched in 2015, focuses on infrastructure development and diversification, aiming to transform Kazakhstan into a major transit and logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. The construction of the Khorgos Gateway, a logistics center on the border with China, demonstrates Kazakhstan’s commitment to becoming a global trade facilitator.
Kazakhstan’s commitment to international diplomacy and peacemaking is recognized, with high-level events like the Astana Talks on Syria playing a crucial role in advancing peace negotiations in the war-torn region. As a mediator and peacemaker, Kazakhstan has resolved some of the world’s most pressing conflicts. From 2017 to 2018, Kazakhstan’s non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council demonstrated its dedication to global stability, addressing security challenges, nuclear disarmament, and preventing radicalization and extremism.
Kazakhstan is enhancing its international ties through its “Modernization of Kazakhstan’s Identity” program, which promotes Kazakh culture, language, and heritage. Initiatives like EXPO 2017 and “Rukhani Zhangyru” have fostered appreciation for Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage. The country is also actively engaging in educational exchanges, inviting international students and scholars to experience its diverse academic landscape, enhancing its soft power and promoting global citizenship.