Kazakhstan President explains country’s role in Ukraine-Russia talks
Photo: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Getty Images)
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that his country will not act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia but is ready to provide a platform for negotiations, Tengrinews.kz reports.
"Kazakhstan is not and does not see itself as a mediator in the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In my opinion, both sides are capable of conducting dialogue on all disputed issues on a bilateral basis and at various levels. I have always believed and publicly said that the Ukrainian crisis is extremely complex and cannot be simplified," Tokayev noted.
The President of Kazakhstan emphasized that as the fighting continues, more and more issues emerge – from territorial and historical to national, linguistic, and political.
"Yes, the territorial issue is now the most important and difficult one, but its practical resolution at the negotiating table is not yet in sight due to accompanying debates on historical topics (Kyivan Rus, territorial gifts, Ukrainian statehood, and others). Nevertheless, negotiations must continue," Tokayev said.
Kazakhstan is ready to provide a platform
He confirmed that if the leaders of Ukraine and Russia express a willingness to come to Kazakhstan, the country is ready to provide all the necessary conditions to facilitate negotiations.
"Hoping for a practical result while hostilities continue without a ceasefire, and amid disagreements on all key issues on the agenda, is, frankly speaking, an unrealistic approach," Tokayev stressed.
Kazakhstan’s position
Summing up, Tokayev underlined that Kazakhstan supports the start of direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow at the highest level. However, preliminary work is needed to achieve mutual understanding.
"While not being a mediator, Kazakhstan is nevertheless ready, if needed, to provide good offices as a venue for negotiations and meetings at all levels," the President noted.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Tokayev on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. They discussed efforts to end the war as well as cooperation between Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Ukrainian President also said that the Russian leadership had been offered a leaders’ meeting in various countries, including Kazakhstan.
