OMM Redaksiyası
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for a freeze in hostilities in Ukraine to facilitate a transition to diplomatic negotiations, saying an immediate end to the war may not be realistic under current circumstances.
Speaking at a news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Tokayev said Kazakhstan continued to support the provisions of the UN Charter and the principle of the territorial integrity of all states.
“From the very beginning, we have said, and I have stated this myself, that we hold the Ukrainian people, their history, culture, traditions, and, of course, the Ukrainian language in high regard,” Tokayev said.
“Therefore, I did not speak of an immediate end to the war. I understand that, under current circumstances, that would likely be unrealistic. I spoke of freezing hostilities within Ukraine’s territory to facilitate a shift toward a process of diplomatic or any other form of negotiations,” he added.
Tokayev says position is understood by Putin
Tokayev, who made a similar appeal in July, said he was grateful to Russian President Vladimir Putin for understanding his position and described him as “an outstanding statesman.”
“I have very good relations with President Putin. I consider him, one might say, an outstanding statesman,” he said.
In Tokayev’s view, Putin is “the most acceptable political figure” for Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, as well as for Europe and the wider world.
“I know him very well, and he possesses the qualities essential for the leader of a major state. With a complex history and his own understanding of the strategic goals facing this country,” Tokayev said.
Kazakhstan seeks ties with both Russia and Ukraine
Tokayev said Kazakhstan would maintain friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine, pointing to the country’s long border with Russia and its large ethnic Russian population.
“No matter what happens on the territory of Ukraine, we will always remember that both Russia and Ukraine are our good friends,” he said.
