Kazakhstan's president: UN must rid itself of outdated ideas

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has stated that the United Nations must rid itself of ideas and concepts that no longer correspond to the current era.

Speaking at the panel session "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties" at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he said the organisation was created 80 years ago, and those who argue that it is outdated and even in decline are right, Caliber.Az reports, citing Aqorda.

“We need to pay attention to the content of the UN Charter, which mentions so-called ‘enemy states.’ Yes, 80 years ago everything was absolutely clear. Today, however, so-called ‘enemy states’ play an extremely important role in supporting and financing the Organisation and in contributing to peacekeeping efforts,” he noted.

According to him, the most important thing is to enhance the effectiveness and authority of the UN.

Tokayev also highlighted the importance of preventive diplomacy in averting conflicts.

“This issue has been discussed for many years, at least for the past 30 years. But nothing has happened beyond very beautiful speeches, declarations, and so on,” he stressed.

The Kazakh leader made it clear that he believes they need to focus on measures to forecast regional or global conflicts, noting, “This is preventive diplomacy. At the same time, we must join efforts to support effective multilateral diplomacy.”

He also commented on developments in the Middle East and the global economy, saying Kazakhstan expresses solidarity with Gulf states, and called for strategic restraint from all countries amid ongoing tensions involving Iran.

“I would advise being more mindful of what is happening in the world. For example, everyone is discussing Iran. Of course, there is a serious situation there. It is difficult to comment on it. We have called on all states to show strategic restraint and to stop military actions,” he emphasised.

Tokaev noted that the conflict has had significant economic consequences, particularly on trade routes and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Before the conflict, this maritime corridor was open for free trade,” he said, adding that the key issue is nuclear proliferation, which should be central to negotiations on the Iran-related conflict.

“At the same time, global trade is growing. Last year alone, growth was 2.5 per cent. So global trade is not in such a bad state. But the quality and structure of trade is a major issue,” he concluded.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov