On the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020-2030
Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 6, 2020 No. 280.
I DECREE:
1. To approve the attached Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020-2030 (hereinafter referred to as the Concept).
2. The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan will take measures to implement the Concept within three months.
3. Control over the implementation of this Decree is entrusted to the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
4. To invalidate the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated January 21, 2014 No. 741 "On the Concept of Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2014-2020".
5. This Decree shall enter into force from the date of its signing.
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
K. TOKAEV
Approved by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on March 6, 2020 No. 280
The concept of the Foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020-2030
Chapter 1. Analysis of the current situation
The modern system of international relations is undergoing a complex transformation, the main features of which are:
a crisis of confidence and an increase in conflict, including due to a decrease in the functionality of multilateral security institutions and dialogue, the low effectiveness of preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution mechanisms.;
The erosion of the fundamental principles of international law, the clash of two main trends on a global scale - globalism and nationalism, which creates serious risks for medium and small states.;
the intensification of traditional challenges and threats to security, such as terrorism, extremism, the arms race, including missile, nuclear and space, climate change and a number of others;
the emergence of new factors influencing geopolitics and geo-economics, including those related to the development of information and communication technologies, the phenomena of hybrid and cyber warfare;
the erosion of the modern model of globalization and the international trading system, the widening gap in economic and technological development between countries and regions, the vulnerability of the global financial system, the intensification of trade and currency wars, and the sanctions standoff.
Against this background, the international community is aware of the need to form a more stable system of international relations, as evidenced by the following factors:
the growing interdependence of countries and regions;
accumulated experience in solving global and regional problems, searching for joint responses to modern challenges;
the absence of a pronounced ideological confrontation between the leading states and military-political blocs;
awareness of the lack of alternatives to a market economy.
These factors have a serious impact on conceptual and practical approaches in the field of Kazakhstan's foreign policy.
Over the years of independence, our country has strengthened its position in the international arena, established itself as a peaceful and open state, and a reliable partner in global and regional affairs. Kazakhstan implements a multi-vector, pragmatic and proactive foreign policy, makes a significant contribution to the formation and implementation of the global and regional agenda in the field of security, cooperation and development. At the same time, the main attention is paid to the full and unshakable defense of national interests, constructive promotion of foreign policy and foreign economic priorities.
At the same time, Kazakhstan's entry into a new stage of state development and the formation of a new economic course put Kazakhstan's foreign policy in the face of new realities and challenges.
First, against the background of increasing interstate competition for political and economic influence, international markets and investment flows, Kazakhstan needs to consolidate its status as a responsible participant in the global community, a key element of the system of geopolitical and geo-economic coordinates of the Eurasian continent, a leading state in the Central Asian region.
Secondly, in a dynamically changing global and regional environment, it is important to ensure more effective and systematic promotion of Kazakhstan's international initiatives based on pragmatism and systematic analysis in order to achieve concrete results for the country and the world.
Thirdly, in accordance with the concept of a "listening state" and taking into account the strategic objective of becoming one of the thirty most developed countries in the world, it is necessary to increase the emphasis on promoting and protecting the interests of the state, business, and every citizen on the external perimeter. This is a key condition for building a strong, harmonious and socially responsible state, organically integrated into the modern system of international relations.
The need to bring the system of foreign policy views and diplomatic tools in line with long-term realities determines the expediency of adopting this document.
The concept of the foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020– 2030 has been developed taking into account the goals and objectives reflected in the Strategy for Long-term and Sustainable Development until 2050, the National Plan "100 concrete steps to implement five institutional reforms" and the annual messages of the President to the people of Kazakhstan.
Chapter 2. International experience
The development of foreign policy concepts (hereinafter referred to as CFS) is widely used in international practice.
A review of the CFS of foreign countries indicates the following main points.
1. The States of the world are aware of the importance of having balanced and realistic CFS in order to successfully realize national interests and pursue an effective international strategy.
2. CFS are a reflection of both long-term and current interests of States, stemming from their objective capabilities, place and role in the system of international relations.
3. In the development of the CFS, there is a desire to accumulate and use the accumulated experience of international activities of states, as well as a tendency to maintain a certain continuity.
4. For the most part, the CFS of foreign countries are based on the interrelation of foreign, domestic and economic policies.
Given Kazakhstan's status as a medium-sized regional state, the analysis of the CFS of foreign countries of a comparable international category was of particular interest. At the same time, the following pattern was noted: systemic factors (events and trends at the global and regional levels that directly affect the foreign policy agenda) have a predominant influence on the formation of the foreign policy lines of medium-sized states.
In general, this Concept accumulates the existing positive experience of the world practice of developing foreign policy documents and adapts it to the modern conditions of development of Kazakhstan.
Chapter 3. Basic principles of foreign policy
The Republic of Kazakhstan implements its foreign policy based on the following basic principles:
1) continuity of the foreign policy course of the First President – Elbasy N. A. Nazarbayev at a new stage of the country's development
2) assistance in building a stable, just and democratic world order; equal integration into the global political, economic and humanitarian space; effective protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of Kazakhstanis and compatriots living abroad;
3) promoting the external openness of the state, creating favorable external conditions for improving the well-being of Kazakhstanis, developing the country's political, economic and spiritual potential;
4) multi-vector approach, pragmatism and proactivity, which mean the development of friendly, equal and mutually beneficial relations with all states, interstate associations and international organizations of practical interest to Kazakhstan;
5) multilateralism aimed at forming a collective vision and effective approaches of the international community to solving a wide range of global and regional problems based on multilateral consultations and agreements;
6) the inextricable link between security and development at the national, regional and global levels, involving the development of integrated approaches by the international community to respond to cross-border security challenges and threats, conflict resolution, and peace-building in post-conflict countries.
Chapter 4. Goals and objectives of foreign policy
Kazakhstan's foreign policy strategy is aimed at achieving the following strategic goals:
1) strengthening the independence, state sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, maintaining the independence of the foreign policy course;
2) consolidation of Kazakhstan's leading position and promotion of long-term interests in the Central Asian region;
3) positioning Kazakhstan as an active and responsible participant in the international community, making a significant contribution to ensuring international and regional stability and security;
4) maintaining friendly, predictable and mutually beneficial relations with foreign countries in both bilateral and multilateral formats, developing comprehensive cooperation with interstate associations and international organizations;
5) full use of the potential of foreign policy in order to increase the competitiveness of the national economy, the standard and quality of life of Kazakhstanis;
6) assistance in foreign policy methods to preserve and strengthen the unity of the multinational people of Kazakhstan;
7) putting the practical interests of the citizens of Kazakhstan and national business at the forefront of the state's foreign policy.
The achievement of goals determines the setting and implementation of the following tasks:
1) increasing efforts to create a politically stable, economically sustainable and secure space around Kazakhstan;
2) continuing the course of strengthening international peace and cooperation, increasing the effectiveness of global and regional security systems and interaction;
3) developing and implementing new approaches to key foreign policy issues at the bilateral and multilateral levels, taking into account the promotion and protection of the long-term strategic interests of the state;
4) ensuring a new level of "economization" of foreign policy, further strengthening Kazakhstan's position in the system of global economic relations;
5) activation of "humanitarian diplomacy", popularization of a positive image of the country in the world community;
6) establishing an effective communication system with the general Kazakh public on foreign policy issues;
7) improvement of work to ensure the protection of personal and family rights of citizens, legitimate interests of individuals and legal entities of the Republic of Kazakhstan abroad.
Chapter 5. Trends and vision of foreign policy development
The above goals and objectives determine the following key priorities of the country in the international arena.
1. Priorities for the maintenance of international peace and security;
1.1. Promoting the restoration and strengthening of an atmosphere of trust in international relations based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN), promoting multilateral cooperation based on equality and compromise;
1.2. the application of an integrated approach to the resolution of interstate conflicts and disputes, civil conflicts in adjacent regions, with an emphasis on the possibilities of preventive diplomacy and mediation;
1.3. Promoting strategic stability, countering the use and threat of use of nuclear weapons for any purpose; continuing efforts to achieve a world without nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and supporting the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones;
1.4. Participation in international efforts to prevent the race of conventional and new types of weapons, support for measures to preserve and promote international control regimes over conventional and new types of weapons;
1.5. Intensifying the search for integrated approaches to addressing key issues of Asian security, including through the transformation of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA) into a regional organization for security and development;
1.6. promoting the unification of global and regional efforts in countering international terrorism and extremism, including through the creation of a broad international anti-terrorist coalition; cooperation with external partners in the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking and other criminal activities;
1.7. Assistance in ensuring international information security, combating cyberterrorism and the use of information and communication technologies for illegal purposes, including those that pose a threat to international peace, security and stability.
2. Priorities in the field of economic diplomacy
2.1. attracting international resources and potential to the processes of structural transformation of the national economy, including through the implementation of industrialization and development programs for the "economy of simple things";
2.2. expansion of international cooperation to attract high-quality foreign investments in the basic sectors of the economy: mechanical engineering and instrument engineering, agro-industrial complex, light industry, production of building materials, mining, transport and logistics, healthcare, education, tourism, petrochemical and oil refining, oilfield services industry, agrochemical industry, non-ferrous metallurgy;
2.3. facilitating the transfer of advanced foreign technologies to Kazakhstan as an important part of the innovation and industrial process. Promoting the brand of Kazakhstan as an open jurisdiction for international partnership in new high-tech industries, including in the light of the Digital Kazakhstan State Program, the development of artificial intelligence, big data and other related sectors;
2.4. ensuring favorable external conditions for the implementation of the "Concept for the transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a "green economy" in order to increase the efficiency of the use of water, land, biological and other resources;
2.5. assistance in the integration of the most competitive sectors of Kazakhstan's economy into international and regional production chains;
2.6. assistance to Kazakhstani investors and commodity producers in the implementation of projects in foreign markets, countering their discrimination by government agencies of other countries;
2.7. assistance in expanding the range, volume and geography of national exports, primarily non-primary exports, including taking into account the priorities of the "State Program of Trade Policy until 2025" and its subsequent editions. Participation in the development and implementation of international quality standards, assistance in the removal of tariff, non-tariff and protective measures that hinder the export of Kazakhstani goods and services;
2.8. Continuing efforts to transform Kazakhstan into a transcontinental transit and logistics hub on the East–West and North–South main routes, relying on the potential of the Nurly Zhol state program, the introduction of the "open skies" regime and infrastructure initiatives of foreign partners;
2.9. development of trade, economic and investment cooperation at the regional and local levels, including on the basis of the Forum of Interregional Cooperation of Kazakhstan and Russia, the International Center for Cross-border Cooperation "Khorgos", the Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation "Central Asia";
2.10. assistance in strengthening regional and global energy security, achieving a balance of interests of energy producing, transit and consumer countries, and creating diversified, stable and safe export routes;
2.11. promotion of the Astana International Financial Center site in order to further integrate into the global financial ecosystem. Involvement of large foreign companies in the management of commodity exchanges in Kazakhstan;
2.12. Promoting the effective functioning of the international trading system based on the principles of the World Trade Organization;
2.13. Participation in international efforts to ensure regional food security, including through the use of the potential of the Islamic Organization for Food Security;
2.14. Contributing to the efforts of the international community to provide official development assistance
3. Priorities in the field of human rights, humanitarian diplomacy and environmental protection
3.1. strengthening constructive and equal cooperation in the field of protection of human rights and freedoms, development of civil society, taking into account the peculiarities of historical development and cultural values of the world's states;
3.2. Promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue, including through the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, initiatives within the framework of the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures, participation in the UN Alliance of Civilizations and other international initiatives;
3.3. Participation in the efforts of the international community to counter criminal acts motivated by hatred, racial discrimination, religious contradictions, extremism and nationalism;
3.4. Participation in strengthening international cooperation in combating illegal migration and human trafficking;
3.5. Accession to multilateral conventions and conclusion of bilateral agreements on liberalization of visa procedures and regimes;
3.6. Conclusion of bilateral agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal and civil matters, extradition and transfer of convicted persons;
3.7. Expansion of international cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels in the field of education, science, culture, sports and youth policy;
3.8. Popularization of the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Kazakh people, including within the framework of the Rukhani Zhangyru program;
3.9. expanding the use of digital diplomacy tools to achieve foreign policy goals, promote international initiatives, and develop cooperation with foreign countries;
3.10. informing the world community about Kazakhstan's approaches and initiatives on regional and global politics and economics, including using the potential of the Astana Economic Forum, the Eurasian Media Forum and the Astana Club;
3.11. systematic explanation of the tasks and priorities of the country's foreign policy to the Kazakh public, specific results and benefits for Kazakhstanis in order to increase the foreign policy competence of society and strengthen resistance to negative external influences;
3.12. support for the development of the Kazakh language and culture in places where Kazakh communities live compactly abroad, their ties with their historical homeland, including through the World Association of Kazakhs and the Otandastar Foundation;
3.13. protection of the rights and legitimate interests of Kazakhstani citizens residing abroad, as well as Kazakh children adopted by foreigners living abroad;
3.14. Using the potential of "parliamentary diplomacy" to promote political, economic and humanitarian ties;
3.15. application of the tools of "people's diplomacy", interaction with the Kazakh non-governmental sector in the field of foreign policy;
3.16. expansion of international cooperation in the field of environmental protection, prevention and elimination of consequences of natural and man-made emergencies;
3.17. Continuing efforts to improve, jointly with neighboring countries, the contractual legal framework, tools and mechanisms in the field of equitable and rational use, sustainable management and protection of transboundary water resources;
3.18. Cooperation with foreign partners and donors on rehabilitation of the territories of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and the Aral Sea, as well as on combating desertification;
3.19. Practical implementation of the provisions of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea and its Protocols jointly with the Caspian Littoral countries;
3.20. Participation in international cooperation in the field of public health, including in order to counteract epidemics and pandemics.
4. Priorities in the field of regional and multilateral diplomacy
4.1. Granting the UN Hub in Almaty the status of the United Nations Interregional Center in Kazakhstan for Sustainable Development Goals and facilitating its activities in Central Asian states and Afghanistan;
4.2. Further development of allied relations with the Russian Federation, comprehensive strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China, expanded strategic partnership with the United States of America, strategic relations with the Central Asian States, expanded partnership and cooperation with the European Union (EU) and EU Member States;
4.3. Continuation of close cooperation with the member States of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in the areas established by the EAEU Treaty. Optimization of approaches to conducting the negotiation process within the EAEU in order to fully take into account the long-term national interests of Kazakhstan;
4.4. development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States in order to strengthen multilateral dialogue in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian fields, as well as in the field of security and countering new challenges and threats;
4.5. Expansion of multilateral dialogue and cooperation in the Central Asian region, the importance of which is steadily increasing in Eurasian and global processes. Strengthening existing formats of interaction between the Central Asian States and external partners;
4.6. Maintaining stability and expanding cooperation in the Caspian region based on the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, as well as taking into account Kazakhstan's long-term interests in the fields of energy, transport, environmental protection and safety;
4.7. intensification of mutually beneficial relations with the leading European countries outside the EU. Continuing the course of expanding cooperation with multilateral organizations in the field of politics and security in Europe and Eurasia – the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other institutions;
4.8. Strengthening relations with the countries of East, Southeast and South Asia, the Middle and Middle East, and North Africa. Active participation in the activities of international organizations in the Asian region, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the CICA, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Cooperation Council of Turkic–speaking States, the Organization for Economic Cooperation, and the Asia-Europe interregional dialogue process. Expansion of relations with regional organizations without the participation of Kazakhstan – the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council and other structures
4.9. Development of cooperation with the countries of the Americas, the Caribbean and Africa, as well as regional organizations with their participation, in order to better exploit the potential of political, trade and economic cooperation;
4.10. Strengthening cooperation with international and regional economic and financial organizations – the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Eurasian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and other institutions.
Tools for implementing foreign policy
In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the President determines the main directions of the country's foreign policy and represents Kazakhstan in international relations.
In accordance with the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy", the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy, by virtue of his historical mission, has for life the right to address the people of Kazakhstan, government agencies and officials with initiatives on the most important issues of foreign policy.
The Parliament, being the highest representative body, conducts legislative work on the ratification and denunciation of international treaties within the framework of its constitutional powers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (hereinafter referred to as the MFA), which is the authorized body in the field of foreign policy, develops the main directions of foreign policy and implements international initiatives of the Head of State, as well as submits relevant proposals to the President and the Government, coordinates the activities of central executive bodies in relations with foreign states, interstate associations and international organizations.
The Government, which heads the system of executive bodies, ensures the development of relations with foreign states, international and regional organizations, develops measures to implement foreign economic policy and finance foreign policy activities.
Government agencies on a regular basis, within their competence and with the coordinating role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, carry out work on the implementation of international treaties and obligations of the country, develop tactical approaches and specific proposals in the field of foreign policy. The adoption of internal decisions by state bodies, potentially capable of having foreign policy consequences, is necessarily coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The key component of the unified system of the diplomatic service, headed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are the foreign institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Their activities are aimed at protecting and promoting the national interests of Kazakhstan, its citizens and legal entities in the countries of accreditation, interstate associations or international organizations.
Intergovernmental commissions (committees, councils, forums) on trade and economic cooperation with foreign countries are the main tool for promoting the interests of Kazakhstan, business and government interaction, and solving tasks of mutual interest jointly with foreign partners.
Programs and plans are being developed for the implementation of agreements and obligations arising from international treaties and decisions of intergovernmental commissions (committees, councils, forums).
Interdepartmental commissions and working groups are being set up to implement specific priorities in the field of foreign policy and economics.
The Public Council for the Activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures interaction with civil society, informing the public and conducting public expertise.
Chapter 6. Stages of implementation and expected results
In order to increase the predictability of the doctrinal foundations of Kazakhstan's foreign policy, the validity period of the Concept has been extended to 10 years. Plans for the implementation of the Concept are approved by the decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and updated every two years.
The implementation of the Concept will contribute to:
1) strengthening the state independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its international authority in line with the strategy of foreign policy continuity;
2) strengthening national, regional and global security;
3) the formation of a favorable external environment, the strengthening of friendly, equal and mutually beneficial political and economic relations of Kazakhstan with all interested states and international organizations;
4) achieving a higher level of Kazakhstan's integration into the international community and global economic relations, including through the diversification and digitalization of the national economy;
5) intensification of international cooperation in cultural, humanitarian, scientific, educational and related fields;
6) strengthening the protection of personal and family interests of citizens, business interests of individuals and legal entities of the Republic of Kazakhstan abroad;
7) raising awareness among the general public of Kazakhstan and foreign countries about long-term priorities, practical steps and concrete results of the state's foreign policy;
8) as a result, the state, national business and the people of Kazakhstan receive concrete benefits from their foreign policy activities.
Chapter 7. List of regulatory legal acts by which the Concept is supposed to be implemented
1. The Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 20, 2000 "On the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy".
2. The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 7, 2002 "On the Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan".
3. The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated May 30, 2005 "On International Treaties of the Republic of Kazakhstan".
4. The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated January 6, 2012 "On National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan".
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