In a call for renewed international diplomacy, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi highlighted a growing global trust deficit during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Tileuberdi emphasized the urgency of resolving conflicts through diplomatic means, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also condemned recent drone attacks on Kazakh oil export infrastructure and commercial vessels in the Black Sea, warning of potential disruptions to international trade and global energy supplies.
Addressing the Middle East conflict, Tileuberdi reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s support for a two-state solution, advocating for a peaceful coexistence between an independent Palestinian state and Israel. He expressed Kazakhstan’s willingness to contribute to international efforts to stabilize Gaza through support in civilian reconstruction, food security, and digital governance. Furthermore, Kazakhstan intends to join the Abraham Accords, furthering its commitment to peace in the region.
On the matter of Afghanistan, Tileuberdi underscored the importance of its stability for the security and development of Central Asia. He called for coordinated international engagement through the United Nations, emphasizing that humanitarian aid should be coupled with long-term strategies to combat poverty and economic dependence.
Kazakhstan also renewed its commitment to nuclear disarmament, with Tileuberdi offering to host discussions among nuclear-armed states. Drawing on Kazakhstan’s history of closing the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and relinquishing its nuclear arsenal post-independence, he urged nuclear states to continue disarmament efforts despite existing disagreements.
Tileuberdi concluded by highlighting the need for countries to respect international law to restore trust globally. He advocated for greater representation of Asia, Africa, Latin America, developing countries, and middle powers in the UN Security Council. During the assembly, Tileuberdi engaged in discussions with UN officials and foreign ministers on topics including UN reform, regional connectivity, energy, investment, and sustainable development in Central Asia and Afghanistan.