KAZAKHSTAN AND THE MIDDLE EAST REGION: BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE ARCHIVE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is aimed at protecting national interests, trust and cooperation with international organizations and of near and far abroad countries. Attracting foreign investment, developing transport and transit potential, and promoting exports are the main objectives for the medium and long-term strategy. In the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, adopted on March 6, 2020, strategic goals are outlined, among which the preservation of the independence of the foreign policy course, mutually beneficial relations with foreign states in a bilateral and multilateral format, as well as strengthening positions in the international arena are determined.On January 15 of this year, President of the Republic of Kazalhstan K-Zh. Tokayev made an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where the issues of strategic partnership, activation of trade, economic and investment cooperation in priority sectors were discussed. The President of Kazakhstan also took part in the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Development Week summit and held meetings with representatives of the business community.In 2022 Kazakhstan has intensified contacts in the Middle East region by concluding agreements with a number of states. The biggest events were the visits and meetings at the highest level of the Head of State with the leaders of Iran, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia.As a result of these negotiations, the parties signed documents expanding trade, economic and humanitarian ties. For example, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Astana International Exchange (“AIX”, “Exchange”) and the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE). In accordance with the agreement, both parties will facilitate exchange of information and information on market transactions within the framework of relevant legal regulations, joint research and educational initiatives.In February 2023, a meeting of the Kazakh-Egyptian Intergovernmental Commission on economic, trade, cultural-humanitarian, and technical-scientific cooperation is scheduled in Astana. In particular, the meeting will announce proposals to expand bilateral cooperation in the sector of energy, including through the establishment of cooperation in the fields of peaceful atom, development of renewable energy sources. Along with these issues, it is planned to discuss the issues of harmful emissions into the atmosphere, the replacement of obsolete equipment with new ones, and the application of the latest scientific developments in practice.