Astana – Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko emphasized the country’s evolving role as a regional leader and a global advocate for dialogue, cooperation, and democratic reform.
Vassilenko said at a press briefing (Friday) on the second day of AIF 2025:” This year’s Forum has grown significantly, welcoming over 3, highlighted that the expanded agenda addresses key global challenges — from energy security and climate change to innovation, sustainable development, and geopolitical collaboration.
“It is a vital platform for building shared solutions to issues that cross borders,” he noted.
Opened on May 29 by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, alongside President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of North Macedonia, and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, the Forum reflects Kazakhstan’s growing diplomatic stature.
“One of our key goals is to elevate the voices of nations that seek stronger unity in tackling global problems,” said Vassilenko.
He also spotlighted Kazakhstan’s sweeping domestic reforms. In recent years, the nation has implemented major political and socio-economic changes:
“We’ve held parliamentary and local elections, reformed governance, and introduced significant constitutional changes,” he stated.
Notable reforms include limiting the presidency to a single seven-year term, overhauling the parliamentary electoral system, re-establishing the Constitutional Court, and easing the registration of political parties — resulting in a more diverse political landscape. The country is also enhancing human rights protections and the rule of law.
Internationally, Kazakhstan stands out for its leadership in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. As home to the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, Kazakhstan has firsthand experience with nuclear consequences and has championed initiatives like the UN’s International Day Against Nuclear Tests.
“We were the first nation to voluntarily relinquish a major nuclear arsenal. Today, we continue to push for a nuclear-free world,” Vassilenko affirmed.
Positioned as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan is strengthening its global connectivity — especially via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which spans Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Türkiye, linking the Caspian and Black Seas.
“In times of global fragmentation and rising mistrust, middle powers like Kazakhstan play a unique role in promoting dialogue and inclusive international cooperation,” he said.
Kazakhstan’s growing ties with the European Union and other key partners are centered on trade, infrastructure, and critical raw materials — vital for the global green and digital transitions. The country is a major global supplier of uranium and other essential minerals.
“Our resources are vital to industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and AI,” Vassilenko explained. “Kazakhstan already provides over 40% of the world’s uranium and produces more than half of the 34 critical minerals identified by global markets.”
In July 2024, Kazakhstan joined the Minerals Security Partnership Forum. German firm HMS Bergbau is now collaborating with Kazakhstan to develop lithium deposits in East Kazakhstan.
Vassilenko concluded by highlighting Kazakhstan’s robust economic performance and investment appeal:
“As the largest economy in Central Asia, attracting 60% of regional foreign investment and growing by over 6% in early 2025, Kazakhstan remains a top destination for global capital. Since 1993, we’ve attracted around $450 billion in FDI.”
