At the Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg, Kazakhstan's President answers tough questions about International Agenda and Relations

The President of Kazakhstan Kassym Jomart Tokayev participated in the plenary session at the 25 edition of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, titled "The New World & the New Opportunities."

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the plenary session along with the Kazakhstan leader.

Also participating via videoconference. Xi Jinping, the President of China, sent a video message to participants.

Tokayev stressed that the forum takes place amid increased political and economic turmoil. Global shocks resulting from the pandemic and growing geopolitical tensions have created a new reality. The era of regionalization has replaced globalization, with all its flaws and virtues. However, reformatting old economic models and trade routes is happening at an increasing pace. The world is rapidly changing. The Kazakh President stated that most of the time, the world is changing for the worse.

Tokayev spoke out about large-scale economic and political reforms taking place in Kazakhstan. These reforms are aimed at reviving public administration and building a New and Fair Kazakhstan. " We are focusing our efforts on ensuring economic growth has a proportional effect on improving citizens' well-being. The President of Kazakhstan stated that we aim to sustainably develop trade and economic relations, open new production facilities, create conditions for growth of human resources, and introduce innovations.

Tokayev called for the Eurasian Economic Union to be strengthened as a priority. Tokayev said that it was appropriate and beneficial to develop a new EAEU trade strategy taking into consideration the new realities. He said that counter-sanctions are unlikely to produce any results and that we should instead pursue a more active, flexible, and comprehensive trade policy, with wide coverage of Asian markets and Middle Eastern markets."

He also stressed the importance of expanding trade and economic cooperation with other countries. Tokayev said that it was possible for traditionally friendly countries like China, India, and states in South and Southeast Asia to become major investors in the regional economies in the next decade. " China is already Kazakhstan's principal economic and foreign trade partner. Over the last 15 years, this country has invested more than $22 billion into our economy. The President stated that China's multilateral cooperation is an important task for the country.

The leader of Kazakhstan touched on issues related in his speech.

Climate change. He spoke about plans to expand the opportunities.

Green investments are encouraged and solutions to environmental problems are sought. The President stated that we are working to lower the energy intensity of GDP, expand the renewable energy sector and reduce transit losses in this section ...,".

Tokayev also referred to quality human capital as well as constructive intercultural dialogue as reliable sources for economic growth. Tokayev also confirmed his commitment to Kazakhstan's cultural diversity and promoted inter-civilizational dialogue at the international level. He will be reporting on September's next Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

Tokayev stated that building an economically stable, peaceful and prosperous Eurasia would be a strong factor in sustainable development and inclusive growth globally.

Following the presentations of the speakers, there was an open discussion using question-and-answer format.

Tokayev specifically answered the question regarding Kazakhstan's attitude to Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine. While there are many opinions, we have an open society. The UN Charter is modern international law. Two principles of the UN Charter were in contradiction. They are territorial integrity and the right to self-determination. These principles are contradictory, so there are many interpretations," he said. He stated that if a nation is granted the right to self-determination, there will be more than 500 countries on Earth. We do not recognize Taiwan, Kosovo, South Ossetia, or Abkhazia. He stated that this principle would be applicable to quasi-state entities. These entities are, in our opinion Luhansk or Donetsk."

Tokayev stated that would like "to express some claims to statements of a number of Russian parliament deputies", absolutely incorrect statements regarding Kazakhstan, and inaccurate statements from journalists and artists." Tokayev said, "I am grateful that Vladimir Putin has today comprehensively set out, in the end regarding Kazakhstan and other countries and particularly to my country, the position of top leadership, The Kremlin." We don't have any issues that could be agitated in any way, sowing discord among our peoples and thereby causing harm to our peoples as well as the Russian Federation. These statements are not clear to me. "I don't understand why these people, who comment in a strange way on the decisions of the Kazakh leadership and the events in our country are taking place," President Tokayev stated.

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