Kazakhstan is a fastly developing country in Central Asia. As Kazakhstan has proven its capabilities in solving regional and international problems in past 27 years, right now it has a respectfull and highly appreciated reputation all over the world. Those succesfull efforts brought about non-permanent membership in UN Security Council for 2 years. This membership is a good opportunity to strengthen the relations between the international community and Kazakhstan.

More than 140 ethnic groups live in Kazakhstan and some 818 ethnic and cultural associations operate under the auspices of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan. All ethnic groups have civil and social status. Their representatives are not considered as national minorities but enjoy the full rights of the citizens of the single nation of Kazakhstan. It presents a model of inter-ethnic tolerance and social harmony to the world. Kazakhstan has made “notable” contributions to global peace and security in several key areas, including strengthening international dialogue, inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony. As a multi-ethnic country, Kazakhstan promotes the belief in the importance of inter-ethnic, inter-religious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and non-discrimination. It is a successful international example of building peaceful international relations.

Kazakstan’s social, economic ve foreign policies which are geared towards social harmony, demonstrates Kazakhstan’s conviction and willingness to act in international affairs results in internal and international security and stability. Kazakhstan deserves to be rewarded and encouraged not least because it can serve as a model for other current and future members of the Security Council to emulate. Kazakhstan is in the heart of Eurasia, at the crossroads of the Silk Road and at the intersection of Eastern and Western civilizations. In addition, the mentality of Kazakhs has been formed in the interaction of Western and Eastern civilizations. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the president of Kazakhstan, was one of the first to draw attention to the need to build a model of inter-ethnic tolerance and social harmony. Since its first days of independence, Nazarbayev’s strategic vision and forward looking policy helped to shape Kazakhstan’s modern multi-ethnic society, making the diversity of the country one of its biggest strengths. Under the wise leadership of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakistan has developed into the economic powerhouse of Eurasia and a leading diplomatic voice on the world stage. The future of Kazakhstan is bright and the ambitious plans of Kazakhistan Government have put forward position well to enjoy further growth and continue to contribute to world development in the decades to come.

Kazakhstan has been awarded a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and has been serving for two-year term starting on January 1, 2017. Kazakhstan has committed to engage member countries on a unified global response to food security, water security, energy security and nuclear security issues that are priorities of Kazakhstan’s long-term foreign policy agenda.

As a regional leader and global partner in matters of energy security and a valuable contributor to international peacekeeping missions, Kazakhstan may bring its unique experience and expertise to bear on some of the pressing challenges currently facing the UNSC. It’s bid is based on four central pillars: food security, water security, energy security and nuclear security.The Republic of Kazakhstan supports peace, prosperity, individual opportunity and economic development, and its government upholds these values and beliefs in its words and in its actions.

Syria Ceasefire Conference in Astana, an important step towards peace, Kazakhstan’s capital city Astana witnessed the negotiations between Syria, Russia, Iran, Turkey and the Syrian armed opposition seeking a more comprehensive ceasefire for Syria. The Astana talks became a breakthrough in the process of resolving the Syrian crisis. It was the first time the opposition was brought to table. The sides were able to include an effective role of Tehran and Ankara as guarantors, with Moscow, of the negotiations, and this contributed to the success of the talks.

Kazakhstan, the first country from Central Asia to sit on the UN Security Council, will use its experience to promote fighting terrorism and extremism, stabilising its regional neighbour Afghanistan, as well as strengthening nuclear nonproliferation and security. One of the main tasks of the work of the UN Security Council and the international community in the near future should be considered the need to solve the Afghan problem. At the same time, a key role is being given to the promotion of intra-Afghan political dialogue, as the main condition for the long-term stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan.

Close coordination of joint actions of the countries of the region and the international community under the auspices of the United Nations is needed, which should be aimed at blocking the channels for the entry of fighters from other countries into Afghanistan. It is effective to organize the struggle in the information field of the country, as well as practical measures to deprive terrorist groups operating in the IRA, funding sources, freedom of movement and the possibility of replenishing their ranks. Kazakhstan historically has been one of the main followers of non-military methods in solving the Afghan problem. Astana is interested in the security and sustainable development of Afghanistan, as evidenced by practical measures to provide annual humanitarian and technical assistance to Kabul. The international community also believes that the issue of settlement in Afghanistan must be solved with the leading role of the Central Asian countries.

 Kazakhstan intends to be the voice of Central Asia in UN Security Council. It is the first time that a country from Central Asia occupies a seat in the Council. Central Asia will be represented in the Council for the first time in history, and presence of Kazakhstan is an opportunity to draw attention to its members on regional issues. As far as i understood, Kazakhstan is determined to continue acting as a bridge between nations to promote the widest possible co-operation and as a contributor of concrete and tangible deeds for the common good.

In the mid and long term, i believe in that Kazakhstan will be committed to more effective multilateral diplomacy and intends to bring to the UN Security Council:

• New vigor, fresh approaches and a proactive stance in mediation and confidence-building,
• Examples of leadership with a proven capacity for strategic relations,
• Principals of trust, transparency and tolerance,
• Honest and impartial brokerage with a balanced view and neutrality,
• Best practices and lessons-learned from inter-ethnic, inter-cultural, and inter-religious dialogue and understanding, tolerance, and non-discrimination.

Cesurhan TAŞ
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