Most of the modern challenges and threats are of a cross-border nature, therefore, countering them requires joining common efforts. This was stated by the President of Kazakhstan, receiving the secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that this first meeting is intended to become an effective platform for combining efforts to prevent external and internal challenges and threats, as well as to develop the necessary response measures. In which areas do the parties intend to strengthen cooperation? What challenges and threats are you ready to face? These and other issues were discussed with Arthur Suleymanov, Candidate of Political Sciences, expert analyst at the Berlek-Unity Center for Geopolitical Studies, Associate Professor at USNTU, reports BaigeNews.kz .
– Artur Ramilevich, in your opinion, what key issues of international security did Kassym-Jomart Tokayev focus on during the meeting with the secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries?
– The meeting of the secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries in Astana is of great importance for ensuring security in the region. In his speech, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined at least three blocks of international security issues. These are the involvement of Afghanistan in regional relations, increasing the political and economic subjectivity of Central Asia and interaction with external partners. I would like to note that all these issues in the modern context are of particular strategic importance for the stability of the region. Especially against the background of the West’s attempts to push through its military presence in Central Asia and shake up the situation in Afghanistan.
– What, in your opinion, are the priority tasks facing the Central Asian countries today?
– The head of Kazakhstan, in his speech, as a diplomat of the highest level, made it clear that the republics of Central Asia are strengthening their cooperation with different states. Including with the EU and the USA. But it is unacceptable to set the countries of the region against each other, to separate them. This seems to be a definite signal to external forces that are guided by other goals. Therefore, the initial task that the Central Asian republics have always faced and still face is related to friendship and good-neighborliness. This factor is also significant for external neighbors – Russia and China. I would like to note that the Russian-Central Asian dialogue is based on the fundamental principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual consideration of interests. Russia respects the territorial integrity of the Central Asian republics and their sovereignty. This is confirmed by many years of experience in good neighborliness, cooperation and mutual assistance.
– A meeting of the SCO foreign ministers will be held in Kazakhstan in the coming days. How important will these negotiations be for our country, Central Asia as a whole, and the republics with which the Republic of Kazakhstan cooperates?
– The SCO is now one of the most sought–after regional organizations in the world. Today, it is one of the key configurations of the emerging multipolar world. Therefore, the international community will be watching the upcoming meeting of the SCO Council of Ministers very carefully. One of the main issues on the agenda will be the comprehensive preparation and substantive content of the meeting of the Council of Heads of SCO member States, which is scheduled to be held in July 2024. At the same time, there will be a “reconciliation of hours” on the current international and regional situation, security and economic issues.
– There is information that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also take part in the meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. He is also expected to make official visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. I would like to hear your opinion on this point.
– The visits of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, which will follow immediately after the SCO Ministerial Council meeting, deserve special attention. For Kazakhstan, this will be the second official visit of the Chinese side this month. On May 16, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Deputy Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Liu Guozhong. During the meeting, prospects for strengthening cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, transport and logistics, energy, tourism, and the development of cultural and humanitarian ties were discussed. By the end of 2023, China has become one of the leading trade and economic partners of Kazakhstan. The trade turnover amounted to a record $40 billion. But this is not the limit. Even more global tasks are already being set – to increase it 2.5 times to $ 100 billion. All these meetings record a certain intensification of international contacts in Central Asia, which have a positive impact on the political and economic subjectivity of the region. Let me also remind you that on May 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China on his first foreign visit after the inauguration, where he met with Xi Jinping. In 2024, Russia is chairing the BRICS, and China is chairing the SCO. In addition, Russia and China are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.