Unofficial translation
I HEREBY ORDER:
1. To approve the attached Concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020–2030 (hereinafter - the Concept).
2. The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall take measures on implementation of the Concept within three months.
3. Control over implementation of this Decree shall be entrusted to the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
4. To recognize as invalid 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 come into force from the date of its signing.
| President of the Republic of Kazakhstan | K. TOKAYEV |
| APPROVED by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 6, 2020 No. 280 |
CONCEPT
of 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:
crisis of confidence and an increase in conflicts, including as a result of a decrease in the functionality of multilateral institutions of security and dialogue, low efficiency of mechanisms for preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution;
erosion of the fundamental principles of international law, collision on a global scale of two main trends - globalism and nationalism, which creates serious risks for medium and small states;
aggravation of traditional challenges and threats to security, such as terrorism, extremism, arms race, including missile, nuclear and space, climate change and a whole series of others;
the emergence of new factors of influence on geopolitics and geoeconomics, including those related to the development of information and communication technologies, the phenomena of hybrid and cyber wars;
erosion of the modern model of globalization and the international trading system, an increase in the gap in economic and technological development between countries and regions, vulnerability of the global financial system, intensification of trade and currency wars, the sanctions confrontation.
Against this background, the world community realizes the need to form a more stable system of international relations, which is 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 the challenges of our time;
absence of a pronounced ideological confrontation between the leading states and military-political blocs;
awareness of the lack of alternative to the market economy.
The mentioned factors have a serious impact on the conceptual and practical approaches in the field of foreign policy of Kazakhstan.
Over the years of independence, our country has strengthened its position in the international arena, has established itself as a peaceful and open state, 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 a global and regional agenda in the field of security, cooperation and development. At the same time, the main attention is paid to the all-round and unshakable defence of national interests, the constructive advancement 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 face foreign policy of Kazakhstan with new realities and challenges.
Firstly, against the background of strengthening interstate competition for political and economic influence, international markets and investment flows, Kazakhstan needs to consolidate the status of a responsible participant in the world 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 the conditions of a dynamically changing global and regional environment, it is important to ensure a more effective and systematic promotion of Kazakhstan's international initiatives based on pragmatism, systemic analysis in order to obtain concrete results for the country and the world.
Thirdly, in accordance with the concept of a “hearing state” and taking into account the strategic task of joining the top thirty most developed countries in the world, the emphasis should be increased on promoting and protecting the interests of the state, business, and every citizen on the outer 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 shall determine the advisability of adopting this document.
The foreign policy concept of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020-2030 was developed taking into account the goals and objectives reflected in the Strategy for long-term and sustainable development until 2050, in the Plan of the nation “100 concrete steps to implement five institutional reforms” and annual addresses of the President to the people of Kazakhstan.
Chapter 2. International experience
The development of foreign policy concepts (hereinafter- FPC) is widely used in international practice.
The review of the FPC of foreign countries testifies the following main points.
1. The states of the world are aware of the importance of having a balanced and realistic FPC in order to successfully implement national interests and conduct an effective international strategy.
2. FPC 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 FPC, there is a desire to accumulate and use the accumulated experience of international activities of states, a tendency to maintain a certain continuity.
4. For the most part, the FPC of foreign states are based on the relationship of foreign, domestic and economic policies.
Taking into account the status of Kazakhstan as a medium regional state, the analysis of the FPC of foreign countries of a comparable international category was of particular interest. At the same time, the following pattern was noted: the prevailing influence on the formation of foreign policy lines of medium-sized states is exerted by systemic factors (events and trends at the global and regional levels, which are directly reflected in the foreign policy agenda).
In general, this Concept accumulates the existing positive experience of world practice in the development of foreign policy documents and adapts it to the modern conditions of Kazakhstan's development.
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, equitable and democratic world order; equal integration into the world political, economic and humanitarian space; effective protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of Kazakhstanis and compatriots living abroad;
3) promotion of external openness of the state, creation of favourable external conditions for increasing the level of well-being of Kazakhstanis, development of the political, economic and spiritual potential of the country;
4) multi-vector approach, pragmatism and proactivity, which means 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 on the basis of multilateral consultations and agreements;
6) the inextricable link between security and development at the national, regional and global levels, which presupposes the development of integrated approaches of the international community to respond to challenges and threats to security of a transboundary nature, resolve conflicts, and build peace in post-conflict countries.
Chapter 4. Goals and objectives of foreign policy
The foreign policy strategy of Kazakhstan 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;
2) strengthening of leading positions and promotion of long-term interests of Kazakhstan 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 states both in bilateral and multilateral formats, developing complex interaction 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 level and quality of life of Kazakhstanis;
6) assistance by foreign policy methods to preserve and strengthen the unity of the multinational people of Kazakhstan;
7) making the practical interests of citizens of Kazakhstan and national business at the forefront of the state's foreign policy.
Achievement of goals shall determine the formulation and implementation of the following tasks:
1) building up efforts to form a politically stable, economically sustainable and secure space around Kazakhstan;
2) continuation of the course towards strengthening international peace and cooperation, increasing the effectiveness of systems of global and regional security and interaction;
3) development and implementation of new approaches to key issues of foreign policy at the bilateral and multilateral levels, taking into account the promotion and protection of long-term strategic interests of the state;
4) ensuring a new level of "economization" of foreign policy, further strengthening the position of Kazakhstan in the system of world economic relations;
5) activation of "humanitarian diplomacy", popularization of the positive image of the country in the world community;
6) establishment of an effective communication system with the wider Kazakhstani 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 shall determine the following key priorities of the country in the international arena.
1. Priorities in the field of maintaining international peace and security;
1.1. assistance in 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), promotion of multilateral interaction on the basis of equality and compromise;
1.2. application of an integrated approach in resolving interstate conflicts and disputes, civil conflicts in adjacent regions with an emphasis on the possibility of preventive diplomacy and mediation;
1.3. assistance in strengthening strategic stability, countering the use and threat of use of nuclear weapons for any purpose; continuing efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and other types of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), support for the creation of nuclear-weapon-free zones;
1.4. participation in international efforts to prevent a race in conventional and new types of weapons, support for measures to preserve and promote international regimes of control over conventional and new types of weapons;
1.5. intensifying the search for comprehensive approaches to solving 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. assistance in combining global and regional efforts in countering international terrorism and extremism, including through the creation of a broad international antiterrorist coalition; interaction with external partners in the field of combating organized crime, drug trafficking and other types of criminal activity;
1.7. assistance in ensuring international information security, combating cyber terrorism 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. attraction of international resources and potential to the processes of structural transformation of the national economy, including in the framework of implementation of industrialization programs and development of the "economy of simple things";
2.2. expansion of international cooperation to attract high-quality foreign investments in basic sectors of the economy: mechanical engineering and instrument making, agro-industrial complex, light industry, production of building materials, mining, transport and logistics, health care, education, tourism, oil and gas chemistry and oil refining, oil service 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. Promotion of the brand of Kazakhstan as an open jurisdiction for international partnership in new high-tech industries, including in the light of the State program “Digital Kazakhstan”, development of sectors of “artificial intelligence”, “big data” and other related areas;
2.4. ensuring favourable external conditions for implementation of the "Concept for transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a" green economy "in order to increase the efficiency of use of water, land, biological and other resources;
2.5. assistance in the integration of the most competitive sectors of the economy of Kazakhstan into international and regional production chains;
2.6. assistance to Kazakhstani investors and commodity producers in implementation of projects in foreign markets, counteraction to their discrimination by state bodies of other countries;
2.7. assistance in expanding the range, volumes and geography of national exports, primarily non-raw materials, including taking into account the priorities of the "State program of trade policy until 2025" and its subsequent editions being developed. Participation in the development and implementation of international quality standards, assistance in the removal of tariff, non-tariff and protective measures impeding the export of Kazakhstani goods and services;
2.8. continuation of efforts to transform Kazakhstan into a transcontinental transit and logistics hub on the East-West and North-South trunk routes, relying on the potential of the “Nurly Zhol” state program, introduction of an “open sky” regime and infrastructure initiatives of foreign partners;
2.9. development of trade, economic and investment cooperation at the regional and local level, including on the basis of the Forum of interregional cooperation of Kazakhstan and Russia, the International centre for border cooperation "Khorgos", the centre for trade and economic cooperation "Central Asia";
2.10. assistance in strengthening regional and global energy security, achieving a balance of interests of producing countries, transit countries and consumers of energy resources, creating diversified, stable and safe routes for their export;
2.11. promotion of the site of International financial centre “Astana” in order to further integrate into the global financial ecosystem. Attraction of large foreign companies to 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 using the potential of the Islamic organization for food security;
2.14. contributing to the efforts of the world community in provision of official assistance to development
3. Priorities in the field of human rights, humanitarian diplomacy and environmental protection
3.1. strengthening of 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 the development of 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 world community to counter criminal acts motivated by hatred, racial discrimination, religious contradictions, extremism and nationalism;
3.4. participation in strengthening international cooperation in the field of combating illegal migration and human trafficking;
3.5. joining multilateral conventions and concluding bilateral agreements on liberalization of visa procedures and regimes;
3.6. conclusion of bilateral agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal and civil cases, extradition and transfer of convicted persons;
3.7. expansion of international cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral level 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” means to achieve foreign policy goals, promote international initiatives, and develop cooperation with foreign countries;
3.10. informing the world community about the approaches and initiatives of Kazakhstan 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. systemic explanation to the Kazakh public of the tasks and priorities of the country's foreign policy, specific results and benefits for the people of Kazakhstan in order to increase the foreign policy competence of society and increase resistance to negative external influences;
3.12. support for development of the Kazakh language and culture in places of compact residence of Kazakh communities abroad, their ties with historical homeland, including through the World Association of Kazakhs and the “Otandastar” fund;
3.13. protection of the rights and legitimate interests of Kazakh citizens staying abroad, as well as Kazakh children living abroad adopted by foreigners;
3.14. using the potential of “parliamentary diplomacy” to promote political, economic and humanitarian ties;
3.15. application of the instruments of "people's diplomacy", interaction with the Kazakhstani 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. continuation of work on improvement, together with neighbouring countries of the contractual legal base, instruments 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 territories of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and the Aral sea, as well as on combating desertification;
3.19. practical implementation, together with the Caspian countries, of provisions of the "Framework convention for protection of the marine environment of the Caspian sea" and the protocols thereto;
3.20. participation in international cooperation in the field of healthcare, including in order to counter epidemics and pandemics.
4. Priorities in the field of regional and multilateral diplomacy
4.1. giving the UN Hub in Almaty the status of an interregional UN centre in Kazakhstan for the Goals of sustainable development and promoting its activities in the states of Central Asia and Afghanistan;
4.2. further development of allied relations with the Russian Federation, a comprehensive strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China, an expanded strategic partnership with the United States of America, a strategic relationship with the Central Asian states, an expanded partnership and cooperation with the European Union (EU) and EU member states;
4.3. continuation of close interaction with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in the areas established by the Treaty on the EAEU. Optimization of approaches to 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 interaction 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 sphere of security and countering new challenges and threats;
4.5. expansion of multilateral dialogue and cooperation in the Central Asia region, the importance of which in the Eurasian and global processes is steadily increasing. Strengthening the existing formats of interaction between the Central Asian states and external partners;
4.6. maintaining stability and expanding cooperation in the Caspian region on the basis of the Convention on legal status of the Caspian sea, as well as taking into account the long-term interests of Kazakhstan in the field of energy, transport, environmental protection and security;
4.7. activation of mutually beneficial relations with leading European states outside the EU. Continuing the course to expand cooperation with multilateral organizations in the field of politics and security in Europe and Eurasia – the Treaty Organization for collective security, the Organization for Security and Cooperation 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 Near East, 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 Economic Cooperation Organization, the “Forum Asia-Europe” interregional dialogue process. Expansion of ties with regional organizations without participation of Kazakhstan - the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the Cooperation Council of the Gulf States 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 more fully exploit the potential of political, trade and economic cooperation;
4.10. strengthening interaction 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 Bank of development and other institutions.
Instruments of foreign policy implementation
In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the President shall determine the main directions of the country's foreign policy and represent 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, shall have the right for life to address the people of Kazakhstan, state bodies and officials with initiatives on the most important foreign policy issues.
The Parliament, being the highest representative body, within the framework of its constitutional powers, conducts legislative work on ratification and denunciation of international treaties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (hereinafter - the MFA), which is an authorized body in the field of foreign policy shall carry out development of main directions of foreign policy and implementation of international initiatives of the Head of state, as well as submit relevant proposals to the President and the Government, coordinate the activities of central executive bodies in relations with foreign states, interstate associations and international organizations.
The government, heading the system of executive bodies shall ensure the development of relations with foreign states, international and regional organizations, develop measures on implementation of foreign economic policy, and financing foreign policy measures.
State bodies on a regular basis, within their competence and with the coordinating role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall carry out work to fulfil international treaties and the country's obligations, develop tactical approaches and specific proposals in the field of foreign policy. The adoption by state bodies of decisions of an internal nature, potentially capable of having foreign policy consequences must be 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, is the foreign missions 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, interaction between business and the state, solving problems of mutual interest jointly with foreign partners.
Programs and plans for implementation of agreements and obligations arising from international treaties and decisions of intergovernmental commissions (committees, councils, forums) are being developed.
In order to implement specific priorities in the field of foreign policy and economics, interdepartmental commissions and working groups are being created.
The Public council on the MFA's activities shall ensure 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 doctrinal foundations of Kazakhstan's foreign policy, the validity term of the Concept has been increased to 10 years. Plans for implementation of the Concept are approved by the decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and are updated every two years.
Implementation of the Concept will contribute to:
1) strengthening the state independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, its international authority in line with the strategy of foreign policy continuity;
2) strengthening national, regional and global security;
3) formation of a favourable external environment, 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 integration of Kazakhstan into the international community and world economic ties, 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 the level of awareness of 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 receipt of specific benefits from foreign policy by the state, national business and the people of Kazakhstan.
Chapter 7. List of regulatory legal acts through 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 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. Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated January 6, 2012 "On National security of the Republic of Kazakhstan".
