In an address to the United Nations General Assembly, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi urged the international community to revitalize diplomatic efforts to resolve global conflicts and bolster international cooperation. He highlighted a growing deficit of trust among nations, a situation he believes necessitates immediate attention and action.
Tileuberdi expressed particular concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine, advocating for a resolution through diplomatic means and negotiations. He also condemned recent drone attacks on Kazakhstan’s oil export infrastructure and commercial vessels in the Black Sea, emphasizing the potential threats these incidents pose to navigation, international trade, and global energy supplies.
Regarding the Middle East, Tileuberdi reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to a two-state solution, supporting the creation of an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel. Furthermore, he expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to aid in stabilizing Gaza by contributing to civilian reconstruction, food security, and digital government services. The country also announced its intention to join the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations.
Tileuberdi also addressed the situation in Afghanistan, calling for coordinated international efforts to ensure the region’s stability. He argued for humanitarian assistance to be paired with long-term initiatives to tackle poverty, displacement, and economic reliance, highlighting the strategic importance of Afghanistan’s stability for Central Asia’s security and development.
On the topic of nuclear disarmament, Kazakhstan reiterated its call for progress and offered to host high-level discussions among nuclear-armed states. Tileuberdi cited Kazakhstan’s historical experience in closing the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and relinquishing its inherited nuclear arsenal as a model for disarmament efforts. He urged nuclear-armed nations to adhere to international law and fulfill their disarmament commitments despite ongoing disagreements.
During his visit to the UN, Tileuberdi engaged in discussions with UN officials and foreign ministers on topics including UN reform, regional connectivity, energy, investment, and transport. The talks also covered cooperation on sustainable development in Central Asia and Afghanistan, as well as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.