President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the BRICS Plus Summit in New Delhi. The Head of State delivered remarks at the plenary session held in the Outreach/BRICS Plus format. The President highlighted BRICS’ potential to overcome divisions and achieve global stability. Today, the countries of one of the world’s largest groupings account for nearly half of the global population and 40% of global GDP. Among the fundamental challenges facing the modern world, President Tokayev cited the «Great Fragmentation» – a term first used this year in the Global Peace Index. It encompasses geopolitical confrontation, rising militarization, and growing trade barriers. Last year, the global economic impact of violence reached 10% of world’s GDP. Another serious concern, according to the President, is the growing threat to cross-border infrastructure.
«The priority is to move from regional de-escalation to lasting stability through political dialogue and sustained diplomacy. More broadly, erosion of international security architecture and protracted conflicts are increasing the risk of a new arms race and strategic miscalculations and practical wrongdoings. Therefore, a high-level dialogue among nuclear powers to reduce nuclear risks, including those linked to new technologies, is extremely in demand,» President Tokayev noted.
«Our consistent principle is to seek common ground on each difficult issue. This approach reflects our balanced and target oriented foreign policy guided by the pursuit of mutually beneficial engagement with all partners,» President Tokayev said.
Last year, Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with BRICS members and partner countries reached approximately $72 billion. Kazakhstan intends to further increase trade with BRICS countries. In addition, as chair of the Eurasian Economic Union, Kazakhstan supports closer economic cooperation with BRICS and progress towards a free trade agreement with India. According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, there are significant opportunities for closer partnerships in value-added processing across energy, critical minerals, and transport connectivity. The President also proposed that the New Development Bank explore financing projects in BRICS countries and Kazakhstan. This would help link the development of transport corridors with investment in infrastructure and industrial production.
«Overall, our transit network already handles up to 85% of overland freight between China and Europe. Through the Middle Corridor, Kazakhstan serves as a gateway connecting Asia and Europe across the Caspian Sea. Further synergy of this vital transit route with the Belt and Road Initiative and International North-South Transport Corridor can form more integrated and resilient Eurasian transport network,» President Tokayev added.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also proposed launching a BRICS Plus Partnership for Artificial Intelligence to connect national AI centres and provide access to science projects. He also called for joining consultations on the establishment of an International Water Organization under the auspices of the UN, an initiative put forward by Kazakhstan. In conclusion, the President once again emphasized that Kazakhstan advocates multipolarity based on sovereign equality, a balance of interests and shared responsibility.
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