Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed diplomacy in resolving the Ukraine conflict as U.S.-Russia talks progress, while Kazakhstan grapples with sanctions-related economic challenges.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed his country’s position on the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in achieving peace. Speaking at the City of Working Professions festival, Tokayev underscored Kazakhstan’s long-standing stance in favor of peace and dialogue between the warring parties.
“From the very beginning, we have called for an end to the war and for a resolution through diplomatic negotiations,” said Tokayev.
Tokayev welcomed the recent political dialogue between the major powers involved in the conflict, describing it as a positive development that could also benefit Kazakhstan. He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to stability, highlighting the country’s policy of “unity in diversity” and urging citizens to embrace national cohesion.
This statement followed a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, focused on the Ukraine war. On Wednesday, Trump described the conversation as "lengthy and highly productive," adding that both delegations had agreed to “start negotiations immediately” to end the nearly three-year conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. president later told reporters that he and Putin might soon meet in Saudi Arabia for peace talks on Ukraine.
As the debate over potential peace talks continues, European leaders emphasized that any negotiations on Ukraine must include Kyiv.
Tokayev’s commitment to diplomatic efforts comes at a time when Kazakhstan is also facing complex economic challenges related to its geopolitical ties, particularly with Russia. Azat Peruashev, head of the Ak Zhol political party, revealed that Kazakhstani banks are refusing to lend to domestic industrial manufacturers who export products to Russia, citing the risk of secondary sanctions.
Peruashev also noted that banks are concerned that products manufactured in Kazakhstan could be sanctioned by the U.S. and the EU, which would expose them to secondary sanctions. As a result, banks are requiring manufacturers to guarantee that their products will not be exported to Russia. If such guarantees are not provided, banks may restrict their payments or loans.
“We’re talking about industrially processed products. These include electricity transformers, energy equipment, and other dual-use products,” the MP added.
Peruashev further clarified that Kazakhstani manufacturers who primarily export to Russia are now facing significant losses. However, he emphasized that the banks’ stance is self-imposed, as they have not received any official directives from the government.
The European Commission has also stated that it has no intention of sanctioning Kazakhstani goods exported to Russia. Instead, Brussels is mainly concerned about the potential re-export of already sanctioned goods to Russia through Kazakhstan. Banks have suggested that the issue should be addressed at the governmental level and through international negotiations.
Kazakhstan’s parliament is debating a proposed foreign agent law that would require media and NGOs receiving foreign funding to disclose their sources, sparking controversy over transparency and influence.
Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are strengthening their economic ties, with both countries aiming to boost trade to $2 billion.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan enhance water cooperation, with Uzbekistan to supply 16 billion cubic meters by 2025, boosting regional water management and supporting the Aral Sea ecosystem.
Kazakhstan and Bulgaria expand trade and investment ties as bilateral trade surges, with KazMunayGas eyeing a Bulgarian refinery acquisition.
The 7th International Digital Almaty 2025 forum focusing on artificial intelligence and its pivotal role in the new industrial era will take place in Kazakhstan from January 31 to February 1, 2025.
African leaders are gathering in Addis Ababa this weekend under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” The summit focuses on addressing colonial injustices and advocating for reparations for affected communities.
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This marks a significant advance in their ongoing conflict with government forces in the region.
A U.S. citizen has been detained in Russia after customs officials allegedly discovered cannabis-infused marmalade in his luggage. The arrest follows a recent prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, which was seen as a step towards improved diplomatic relations.
Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with WADA, concluding a doping case that had been under scrutiny for nearly a year. The ruling allows the world’s top-ranked player to compete in upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would not accept any peace deal made without its involvement, as European leaders reaffirmed their support and pledged increased military and economic aid to strengthen Kyiv’s position against Russia.
The iconic Dubai Fountain will close for five months starting in May for a major upgrade, enhancing its technology, choreography, and sound system. Visitors can expect a more spectacular show when it returns in October.
Apple is reportedly working on a version of AirPods Pro with integrated cameras, set to launch as early as 2027, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While the cameras won’t be featured in the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, the new tech aims to enhance AI-driven features and spatial audio integration.
Public sector strikes are causing major disruptions across Germany, including halted public transport in Frankfurt, as workers demand higher pay and better conditions.
Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA), arguing that the U.S.-funded media outlets serve as government propaganda tools and waste taxpayer money.
Russian President has invited his U.S. counterpart, along with leaders from many other countries to Moscow in May to attend the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russians refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."
Hezbollah fighters gather in the streets of Beirut to express their discontent to the Israeli occupation of the south of the country
Arab countries are working on a proposal to rebuild Gaza without displacing its population, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Friday, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of relocating Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt.
African leaders are gathering in Addis Ababa this weekend under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” The summit focuses on addressing colonial injustices and advocating for reparations for affected communities.
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This marks a significant advance in their ongoing conflict with government forces in the region.
A U.S. citizen has been detained in Russia after customs officials allegedly discovered cannabis-infused marmalade in his luggage. The arrest follows a recent prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, which was seen as a step towards improved diplomatic relations.
Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with WADA, concluding a doping case that had been under scrutiny for nearly a year. The ruling allows the world’s top-ranked player to compete in upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would not accept any peace deal made without its involvement, as European leaders reaffirmed their support and pledged increased military and economic aid to strengthen Kyiv’s position against Russia.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment