Kazakh Speaker Presents New Constitution at Global Parliamentary Assembly

The 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has concluded in Istanbul, gathering lawmakers from over 155 nations under the theme "Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding." The Kazakh delegation was led by Yerlan Koshanov, Chairman of the Mazhilis, the lower house of Parliament.

Addressing the general debate, Koshanov emphasized that the world is navigating a complex and unstable period marked by a weakening authority of international law, escalating conflicts, and deepening economic crises. He stated that parliamentary diplomacy plays an increasingly vital role in such times, fostering respect, trust, and cooperation between nations while ensuring the unconditional protection of international agreements.

"Kazakhstan has always strictly adhered to the UN Charter, advocating for open constructive dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution," said Koshanov. "These are fundamental principles of our foreign policy, consistently implemented by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Astana and Almaty have repeatedly served as platforms for peace talks between conflicting parties. Furthermore, our state makes a significant contribution to strengthening international peace and security as part of UN missions."

The Speaker highlighted Central Asia as an example of harmonious and multi-vector diplomacy within its region. He noted that border issues between countries have been fully resolved and that major joint infrastructure projects in hydropower, transport, and logistics are being implemented.

Koshanov also focused on the global demand for justice reflected in the assembly's agenda. In response to this societal demand, he informed his international colleagues about Kazakhstan's large-scale political reforms.

"President Tokayev defined the creation of a Just and Progressive Kazakhstan as the main goal of his presidential mandate," Koshanov stated. "The recent adoption of a new Constitution through a nationwide referendum is evidence of Kazakhstanis' trust in state institutions and their support for the President's reforms. The priority of people's interests runs through the entire text of the Basic Law like a red thread. The principle 'not man for the state, but state for man' is enshrined at the constitutional level for the first time. A balance has been established between 'a strong President, an influential Parliament, and an accountable Government.' As part of these reforms, we are transitioning from a bicameral to a unicameral Parliament."

Following the assembly's proceedings, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with parliamentary speakers to thank them for their participation.

On the sidelines of the forum, Chairman Koshanov held bilateral meetings with numerous counterparts. Discussions with Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of Turkey's Grand National Assembly, focused on legislative support for agreements reached by national leaders.

Koshanov congratulated his Kyrgyz colleague Marlen Mamataliev on his election as Chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Council (Jogorku Kenesh), stressing Kazakhstan's commitment to strengthening inter-parliamentary ties with its fraternal nation.

The deepening of inter-parliamentary cooperation was also discussed during meetings with Tran Thanh Man, Chairman of Vietnam's National Assembly; Alen Simonyan (Armenia); Sahiba Gafarova (Azerbaijan); Saqr Ghobash (United Arab Emirates); Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam (Bahrain); Shalva Papuashvili (Georgia); Vyacheslav Volodin (Russia); Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow (Turkmenistan); Rustam Emomali (Tajikistan); and Tanzila Narbayeva (Uzbekistan).