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#Kazakhstan global diplomacy contributes to resolving #Syria conflict

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1049100875On 23 January, Astana is scheduled to host talks between the Syrian government and the opposition. Russia, Turkey and Iran will serve as guarantors of the negotiations. All sides have made it clear that the upcoming talks are not an alternative to the Geneva Process and instead will complement it. The main task of the talks in Astana will be to create the conditions to resolve the conflict in Syria through the framework of the Geneva negotiations. Kazakhstan is offering a platform for the talks and will not be taking part in the negotiations.

The talks demonstrate that Kazakhstan is an open, friendly and modern country, as well as subtly communicate Kazakhstan’s contributions to global peace and security and its role as an objective mediator and a respected global partner.

1. Astana was chosen as a suitable platform to host these negotiations due to the fact that Kazakhstan is objective and neutral in its approach, as well as a reliable partner for all nations. Kazakhstan has friendly relations with Russia, Turkey, European Union states, as well as the United States.

2. Kazakhstan has built a reputation as an honest broker in international diplomacy across such issues as the Iran nuclear talks and the crisis in Ukraine.

3. Kazakhstan has experience acting as a mediator. The country has already hosted two rounds of talks involving representatives of the Syrian opposition in 2015. President Nursultan Nazarbayev also played a central role in mending relations between Russia and Turkey. Without President’s Nursultan Nazarbayev’s contribution, it is unlikely that these talks would have been arranged.

4. Kazakhstan has contributed to resolving the humanitarian crisis in Syria. The country sent approximately 500 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Syria this year in the form of food. Humanitarian assistance was also provided last year.

5. Kazakhstan is determined to play its role in ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East, especially given the geographical proximity to the region. Following the talks, Kazakhstan will continue with its efforts to bring lasting peace and security to the Middle East, including through its initiatives at the UN Security Council.

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Kazakhstan’s contribution to resolving the conflict in Syria

Overview

Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, Kazakhstan has urged the international community to seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict, arguing that military options would only exacerbate the situation. Kazakhstan has remained a neutral mediator throughout the crisis, which has ensured its government is trusted by all sides involved in the conflict.

Due to Kazakhstan’s neutrality and the country’s experience in mediating global conflicts, Astana was chosen as a suitable location to host the Syrian talks on 23 January, 2017. Conducting the talks in Astana is an important step in preparation for the talks in Geneva, scheduled for February 8.

Past rounds of Syrian talks hosted by Astana

In May 2015, Kazakhstan hosted the first round of talks involving representatives of the Syrian opposition committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis

In October 2015, the second round of these talks took place

A number of important agreements were reached during these discussions, including on humanitarian issues, where a consensus was established to create corridors to support the safe passage for the millions of refugees leaving the country

Mending relations between Russia and Turkey

In 2016, President Nursultan Nazarbayev was credited with playing a crucial role in healing the rift between Turkey and Russia

Thanks to the efforts of the Kazakh President, Russia and Turley were able to resume cooperation, which enabled them to organise the Syrian talks in Astana

UN Security Council

In 2016, Kazakhstan was voted to sit on the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2017-2018. Kazakhstan’s priorities include fighting and defeating terrorism, the elimination of the threat of a world-wide war, and the promotion of peace and security in Afghanistan, Central Asia as well as in Africa

Kazakhstan’s diplomatic efforts and initiatives in the Middle East

Islamic rapprochement

Through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Kazakhstan, together with Turkey, promotes efforts at Islamic rapprochement to build better ties and understanding

Iranian nuclear deal

Kazakhstan played an important role in the success of the Iranian nuclear deal by hosting two rounds of negotiations between Iran and P5+1 in 2013, as well as directly participating in the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Other global diplomatic efforts by Kazakhstan

In 2014 and early 2015 President Nazarbayev held a series of talks with the international parties involved in the Ukrainian crisis, and assisted significantly with the convening and eventual success of the two Minsk summits.

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