Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with heads of foreign missions
Addressing the participants, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described such meetings with the diplomatic corps as a good tradition in a bid to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation, allowing for a dialogue on priorities of the country’s foreign and domestic policies, Strategy2050.kz reports with reference to the Akorda press service.
“Kazakhstan’s democratic development has become irreversible. We will consistently implement a well-balanced, gradual political modernization bearing in mind stability and safety of our country. Our priorities are based on the standards of leading OECD countries. Hence, the government takes bold and solid steps towards these goals. The basic guideline for the state system of Kazakhstan is the following: "strong President - influential Parliament - accountable Government,” he said.
The Kazakh President dwelled on the “Listening State” concept, the Public Trust National Board.
“We ensure that government efficiently responds to the vital needs of our citizens. As the Head of state, I remain committed to developing political parties to support and encourage pluralism of views in our society. Our citizens should fully exercise their right to freedom of expression. Therefore, legislative norms regulating peaceful rallies are currently being revised. We actively work on upholding the role of civil institutions with the aim to increase accountability of all public authorities,” the Kazakh Head of State said.
Speaking of the law enforcement and judicial reforms, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that the State’s health is a function of the level of confidence within society in the said institutions.
“We do realize that political stability and effectiveness of the state apparatus are indispensable for economic growth. There are some achievements in this regard. GDP in the 10 months of 2019 grew at 4.4%. In the Doing Business 2020, Kazakhstan secured the 25th position. In the WEF Global Competitiveness Index, our country has earned 55th rank. In the next five years, we plan to essentially improve our positions in international rankings,” he said.
The President went on to say that Kazakhstan is open to international cooperation and about to pursue the policy of constructiveness and balance with strategic partners and all willing countries. The foreign policy’s focus is still global inter-religious accord, prevention of the proliferation of intolerance ideologies and radicalism.
“We gradually expand meaningful co-operation with reliable partners from Asia and Middle East. This cooperation is extremely important for Kazakhstan. Therefore I would like to express sincere appreciation to Ambassadors from Asia and Middle East who so decently represent their countries. We intend to bring our nations even closer and create fresh impetus to our multifaceted ties. Kazakhstan is also a part to the efforts of the international community in promoting national reconciliation process in Afghanistan. We actively contribute to the socio-economic development of this state, elimination of threats to regional and global security,” he said.
As the Kazakh President said the development of relations with Russia, China, the USA, EU, and Central Asia is an important component of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, and that Kazakhstan continues to develop multilateral cooperation and interaction within international organisations and financial institutions.
To read the full text of the Kazakh Head of State’s speech at the meeting click here.
