Kazakh President Warns of Rising Threat of Global Conflict

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has issued a stark warning about the growing danger of a "most undesirable scenario" unfolding in the world. Speaking at a forum for deputies of maslikhats (local representative bodies) at all levels, he contrasted the geopolitical uncertainty of a decade ago with today's heightened tensions.

"If ten years ago politicians anxiously stated that the world was at a crossroads and did not know which path to take, now everyone is unanimously warning about an impending world war that will affect the interests of all states," Tokayev declared.

He emphasized that geopolitical, military, economic, technological, and climate risks are multiplying, dramatically increasing the peril of this worst-case global development. In such complex conditions, Tokayev called on Kazakh citizens to remain calm and not succumb to provocations from within or outside the country.

"We must demonstrate the qualities bestowed upon us by the Almighty Himself: courage, dignity, and most importantly, common sense," the President urged.

Tokayev affirmed his commitment to using all possible political and diplomatic means to protect state security. He acknowledged that the world has changed fundamentally—technologically, economically, politically, and morally—and stressed that Kazakhstan cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of global development.

"If the world has already changed and continues to change, then we must also change," he stated, advocating for adopting the best from ongoing global processes while rejecting negative trends. He illustrated this point with a Kazakh proverb: "Learn from the good, beware of the bad."

The President outlined Kazakhstan's foreign policy direction as rational and balanced, primarily aimed at strengthening peace and security around the state. He described this approach as extremely necessary for continuing domestic reforms.

"Therefore," Tokayev concluded, "Kazakhstan maintains strategic restraint with a view to protecting its national interests."