President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at a panel session of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he outlined the key challenges of world politics and called for reforming international institutions.
THE ROLE OF TURKEY AND REGIONAL COOPERATION
The Head of State took part in the discussion «Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties», which was held at the NEST Congress Centre. Also taking part in the discussion alongside him were the President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze. The moderator was a member of the Turkish parliament and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.
During his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the growing role of Turkey on the international stage. He emphasised the contribution of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to strengthening the country's position and expressed anticipation for his upcoming visit to Kazakhstan.
The President of Kazakhstan also stated that the countries of the region are capable of playing a significant role in solving global problems, including issues of security and stability.
GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND THE CRISIS OF INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
The Head of State drew attention to the rise in global tensions and the transformation of regional conflicts into broader international crises. He stressed that the United Nations (UN) remains a key structure, but needs reform.
Particular attention, he said, should be paid to reforming the United Nations Security Council, which, the President noted, often blocks decisions on the most important issues.
Tokayev also expressed concern over the diminishing role of the UN in negotiation processes, pointing out that many international dialogues take place outside its platforms.
PREVENTIVE DIPLOMACY AND LEADERS' RESPONSIBILITY
The President of Kazakhstan highlighted the need to strengthen preventive diplomacy. In his view, the international community should focus on forecasting and preventing conflicts, not just on reacting to crises that have already arisen.
He stressed that modern leaders need qualities such as responsibility and strategic restraint, especially in an unstable international environment.
THE MIDDLE EAST AND GLOBAL TRADE
Separately, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the situation regarding Iran, calling for a focus on the issue of nuclear technology proliferation as a key topic for negotiations. He noted that, despite geopolitical risks, global trade continues to grow, but its quality and structure raise questions.
THE ROLE OF MIDDLE POWERS
The President emphasised the importance of so-called 'middle powers', which include Kazakhstan and Turkey. According to him, such countries demonstrate a high level of responsibility and are capable of contributing to solving global problems.
During the discussion, the President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, supported the thesis on the importance of preventive diplomacy, noting that its lack had been one of the reasons for the ineffectiveness of international institutions.
THE FUTURE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
In conclusion, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed the opinion that international organisations, including the UN, need to adapt to modern realities. He noted that a structure created decades ago no longer fully meets current challenges.
At the same time, the President affirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to multilateral diplomacy and the idea of strengthening global cooperation.