Kazakhstan’s Journey: From Nuclear Disarmament to Global Peacekeeping
Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has pursued a peaceful and balanced foreign policy. The country is committed to multilateral cooperation in line with the UN Charter, playing an active role in international security and stability.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Kazakhstan has been a strong advocate for nuclear non-proliferation. In the early 1990s, it voluntarily renounced its nuclear arsenal, transferring warheads and nuclear materials to Russia. The country also shut down the Semipalatinsk test site, one of the world’s largest nuclear testing grounds. In 2006, Kazakhstan and its neighbors created the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (CANWFZ), which came into force in 2009. The UN General Assembly accepted a resolution by Kazakhstan to proclaim August 29 as ‘International Day against Nuclear Tests’.
International Peace Efforts
Kazakhstan has provided neutral platforms for various international negotiations, including talks between Iran and the P5+1 in 2013 and peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2024. The country has also hosted the Astana talks, bringing together the Syrian government and opposition forces.
Regional and Global Cooperation
Kazakhstan is committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation in Central Asia. The country has initiated several regional and international organizations, such as the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS). Kazakhstan is also a founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Humanitarian Efforts
Through the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID), the country has provided humanitarian aid to developing countries, including food aid, educational scholarships, and emergency assistance during natural disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kazakhstan sent medical supplies to several countries.
Global Peacekeeping
Kazakhstan participates in UN peacekeeping missions, with 630 military personnel having contributed to these operations. The Peacekeeping Operations Center of the Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan (“KazCent”) trains peacekeepers for UN missions and has conducted UN-certified courses for military personnel from various countries.
Kazakhstan’s approach to peace and security reflects its deep commitment to promoting a more peaceful and stable world.
Doubts Revealed
Kazakhstan -: Kazakhstan is a country in Central Asia. It became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Nuclear Disarmament -: Nuclear disarmament means getting rid of nuclear weapons to make the world safer.
Global Peacekeeping -: Global peacekeeping involves countries working together to keep peace in different parts of the world.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation -: Nuclear non-proliferation means stopping the spread of nuclear weapons to more countries.
Decommissioned -: Decommissioned means taking something out of use, like Kazakhstan did with its nuclear weapons.
Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone -: This is an area in Central Asia where countries agree not to have nuclear weapons.
Low Enriched Uranium Bank -: This is a place where uranium, used for making nuclear energy but not bombs, is stored safely.
Humanitarian Efforts -: Humanitarian efforts are actions taken to help people in need, like giving food or medical help.
International Organizations -: These are groups where many countries work together on common goals, like the United Nations.
