Foreign Minister Confirms Kazakhstan's Multi-Vectored Policy

Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev confirmed during a recent public appearance in New York that Kazakhstan is committed to a multi-vectored policy, under which Astana seeks to engage the United States, Russia and China simultaneously.

In an event sponsored by the Asia Society on September 29, Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan's approach to economic development was apolitical in nature, and thus Astana sought to bolster ties with all of Central Asia's regional powers. He indicated that such a policy was viable, even though the United States, Russia and China have engaged in an intensifying rivalry for political and economic influence in the region. [For background information see the Eurasia Insight archive].

Kazakhstan has long been viewed as a vital component in Washington's regional energy export strategy, which centers on the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive]. The multi-vectored approach indicates that Kazakhstan's support for the United States' energy export vision may not be as firm as once believed.

Kazakhstani officials are reexamining the country's energy export options. Tokayev cited potential oil transit projects that would deliver Kazakhstan's natural resources to China, the Mediterranean, Russia, and elsewhere. "As far as pipelines are concerned, our policy is clear and simple: have as many export routes as possible." Tokayev said. He insisted that Kazakhstan was capable of producing "a million barrels [of oil] a day" adding that the country's main challenge was finding outlets for its energy: "We're a landlocked country."

A major theme of Tokayev's comments at the Asia Society concerned Kazakhstan's interest in diversifying its economy beyond the oil and gas sector. "Kazakhstan is very much interested in access to markets. We have resources that can be invested in, but we have limited markets," he said. Tokayev stressed that while his country was concerned with security, "we're opening our doors to investment and finance."

"Our top priority is to join the WTO [World Trade Organization] and to cooperate with major trade partners; next year is a big year for Kazakhstan in terms of joining the WTO," Tokayev said. Kazakhstan's interest in finding new markets, Tokayev suggested, already has pushed Astana to join several new regional organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Unified Economic Space within the CIS. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].

In comments concerning regional security, Tokayev reiterated his country's support for the United States and its campaign against terrorism. He also voiced support for the US-led ouster of Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, pointing out that Kazakhstan opened its airspace for US and coalition air forces, and provided access to airports for potential emergency landings.

At the same time, Tokayev said Astana believes that is "imperative to disclose weapons of mass destruction [WMD]." Bush Administration claims that Iraq possessed such weapons served as justification for preemptive military action in Iraq. Yet, solid evidence of the existence of WMD has so far not been uncovered. Tokayev went on to suggest "the UN should take responsibility of the situation in Iraq."

Tokayev downplayed the recent border tension with Uzbekistan. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. "We're not going to jeopardize our diplomatic channels [with Uzbekistan]. We don't think it's a major issue." He went on to say that "despite the tension, these disputes can be solved."