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Kazakhstan, a landlocked country in Central Asia with a population of 20 million people, has been ranked for the first time by a German think tank specializing in international relations and security research as a “middle power” along with G20 countries such as India, Turkey, and Brazil.
A study published on January 23 by the German Institute for International Security Affairs (SWP) focused on the world’s “middle powers” and identified 12 of them: Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan. , India, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil.
As the authors explain, the 12 states are very different, but what they have in common is a focus on economic development, an emphasis on security and stability, and a pursuit of strategic autonomy. .
The SWP specifically cited Kazakhstan for its balanced foreign policy, status as a major country in Central Asia, rich resources, and as an important element of the so-called “Central Corridor”.
“Kazakhstan is rich in resources, including fossil fuels (particularly oil), metals, minerals and rare earths, which have attracted the attention of the United States and Europe. The country has the potential to produce green energy sources (hydrogen). , the European Union (EU) has also recently increased its interest,” the SWP writes.
The German institute also said Kazakhstan is looking forward to the EU’s Global Gateway project as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
“Kazakhstan considers itself a bridge between East and West and, together with the port of Aktau (on the Caspian Sea), serves as the hinge of the Trans-Caspian Corridor,” the newspaper said.
Regarding foreign policy, the SWP said that despite close ties with Russia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev “clearly criticized the actions of the Russian side” in the context of the Ukraine war.
“He publicly told President Putin at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg in June 2022 that the legal principle of the territorial integrity of states should take precedence. […] “Kazakhstan has made it clear that it will not recognize the annexed territory of Ukraine,” the report said.
According to a German think tank, over three decades of national independence, Kazakhstan has developed a pattern of foreign policy behavior that undermines the hegemonic claims of great powers Russia, China and the United States through selective cooperation with geopolitical adversaries. That’s what it means. .
The SWP concludes that this policy of not taking sides but engaging everyone guarantees Kazakhstan’s maximum independence and creates space for the articulation and enforcement of the state’s self-interests. ing.
Euractic has contacted Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vasilenko for comment on the news that the country has been ranked among the world’s middle powers.
Mr. Vasilenko emphasized multilateralism as an important feature of his country’s foreign policy.
On Wednesday, February 14, he said: “In an era characterized by polarization and increasing interconnectedness, stronger multilateralism is essential if we are to find sustainable solutions to global problems. It’s necessary.”
According to Vasilenko, this is even more important now that there is a noticeable shift in the balance of power.
“This responsibility now falls not only on traditional ‘great powers’ but also on a wider range of international actors. “Countries like Kazakhstan are increasingly able to make important contributions to geopolitical issues by leveraging their strong and multifaceted diplomatic relations and resources,” the diplomat said.
He acknowledged that it was an honor to be mentioned by Germany’s esteemed institution in this context, but this clearly recognizes Kazakhstan’s role in the global diplomatic power play and gives it a stronger It was recognized that active involvement was required.
“And we see this as both an opportunity and a responsibility. That is why we are working to reinvigorate diplomatic dialogue around major global issues, including initiatives like the Astana International Forum.” We are continuing to work on this, and the second edition will be held in June.”
The Astana International Forum (AIF) is an upgraded version of the Astana Economic Forum, which has been held annually since 2008. The name change brings together a wider range of topics to be discussed in the new forum, including climate, food and energy security, and high-level participants from around the world.
Diplomats say Kazakhstan is taking over the international space vacated by Russia and the AIF is replacing the once famous St. Petersburg Economic Forum.
Read more at Euractiv
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