Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during an official visit to Germany spoke about the war in Ukraine, relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the prospects for co-operation with Berlin.
WHAT TOKAYEV SAID ABOUT PUTIN
At a joint press conference with Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Tokayev responded to a question from the German television channel ARD about his position on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and relations with Vladimir Putin.
The President of Kazakhstan stressed that he maintains good relations with the Russian leader and thanked him for understanding his position on the Ukrainian question.
"I have very good relations with President Putin. I consider him an outstanding statesman. And today I said with considerable conviction that President Putin, as a statesman, as the leader of Russia, is the most acceptable political figure, however strange this may sound to you, both for Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, and for Europe, and for the whole world," Tokayev said.
According to the Head of State, the Russian President possesses the necessary qualities to lead a large country with a complex history and its own strategic goals.
WHAT POSITION KAZAKHSTAN TAKES ON THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Tokayev recalled that Kazakhstan has from the very beginning adhered to the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and advocates respect for the principle of the territorial integrity of all states.
The President stressed Kazakhstan's respect for the Ukrainian people, its history, culture and language. At the same time, he advocated freezing hostilities with a subsequent transition to negotiations, rather than an immediate end to the war.
"I did not say that the war needs to be stopped immediately. I do understand that in current conditions that would probably be unrealistic. I am talking about freezing military operations on the territory of Ukraine in order to move to a process of diplomatic or any other negotiations," the Head of State explained.
According to Tokayev, Kazakhstan regards Russia and Ukraine as friendly countries and intends to take into account relations with both sides.
WHY KAZAKHSTAN TAKES RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA INTO ACCOUNT
Speaking about ties with Moscow, the President drew attention to Kazakhstan's geographical and demographic characteristics. The total border between the two countries is 7,597 kilometres. In addition, 2.7 million citizens of Russian nationality live in Kazakhstan, and the Orthodox Church is widely represented in the country's public life.
"Therefore all these moments must be taken into account. One cannot act rashly. Kazakhstan needs peace and stability. Without this we will never be a successful country," Tokayev noted.
He stressed that he intends to do everything possible to ensure peace and stability in Kazakhstan, as well as to make a feasible contribution to ending the war on neighbouring territory.
WHAT TOKAYEV SAID ABOUT RELATIONS WITH GERMANY
During the visit, the President also assessed the development of Kazakh-German relations. Responding to a question about the forthcoming 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he noted that over the past years Kazakhstan and Germany have achieved significant results.
He noted Germany's high prestige in Kazakhstan, including thanks to its economic achievements. According to Tokayev, during the visit the parties managed to reach new agreements.
Tokayev expressed confidence in the further development of co-operation and stressed that both countries are interested in strengthening bilateral relations.
HOW THE OFFICIAL VISIT TO GERMANY IS PROCEEDING
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Germany on an official visit at the invitation of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
As part of the visit, extended talks were held with the participation of representatives of the two states. Following their results, the parties adopted a Joint Declaration.
During the talks, the President of Kazakhstan also invited German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to visit the country on a state visit next year.
