ASTANA, Kazakhstan

On 24 – 25 August, Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of the UNRCCA, visited Kazakhstan. During the visit, SRSG Imnadze held meetings with H. E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan; H.E. Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Dania Espaeva, Deputy Chairperson of the Majilis (lower house of the Parliament), and Mr. Yerkin Tukumov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies. He also met with the UN country team and other partners.

The sides exchanged views on regional dynamics and current challenges faced by Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states, such as transboundary water management, developments in Afghanistan, radicalization, extremism, organized crime and drug trafficking, as well as polarization. Close partnership and possible concerted actions to overcome these challenges were discussed, including initiatives related to the increased role of women in promoting peace and security in the region.

The President of Kazakhstan pointed out the importance and relevance of preventive diplomacy in the Central Asian region and expressed support to UNRCCA activities in advancing regional cooperation. SRSG Kaha Imnadze highlighted that UNRCCA remains firmly committed to assisting the Central Asian states in developing mutually beneficial cooperation using the exiting platforms and exploring new areas of engagement.