Why Kazakhstan gave up world’s fourth-largest nuclear arsenal? President explains

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has explained why his country chose to abandon nuclear weapons, stressing that the global security system cannot be built on nuclear deterrence.

Speaking during a lecture at the United Nations University, Tokayev devoted particular attention to the issue of the growing nuclear threat.

He noted that only a small number of countries can truly comprehend the cost humanity has paid for nuclear weapons, singling out Kazakhstan and Japan as having a uniquely deep understanding of this legacy.

“Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Semipalatinsk serve as reminders of the high price of nuclear responsibility and restraint. After gaining independence, Kazakhstan made a historic decision to close the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and to renounce the world’s fourth-largest nuclear arsenal. This was not a manifestation of weakness, but a reflection of strategic foresight and a firm commitment to peace and the security of humanity. Three decades later, our position remains unchanged: the global security architecture cannot rely on nuclear deterrence,” Tokayev said.

The Kazakh president underlined that the international community must step up efforts aimed at achieving complete nuclear disarmament. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty enters into force.

“Kazakhstan calls for the resumption of high-level dialogue among nuclear powers and for more decisive multilateral actions to eliminate the threat of the use and testing of nuclear weapons. In these global efforts, Kazakhstan and Japan possess unique moral authority. Together, our countries could help smooth over differences and demonstrate pragmatic leadership in situations where nuclear powers struggle to reach consensus,” Tokayev said.

He concluded that Kazakhstan’s decision to give up nuclear weapons remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy and reflects its long-standing commitment to global peace and security.

By Tamilla Hasanova