Multi-vector diplomacy of Kazakhstan is rooted in its history, geography and geopolitics. Landlocked, bordered by Russia and China, with strategic proximity to the EU, Middle East, and South Asia, it keeps balanced relations with East and the West, dynamically developing and playing a crucial role in regional stability. One of the efficient instruments Kazakhstan’s government actively realizes in this – democratic reforms and parliamentary diplomacy.
On the sidelines of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, on September 30, in Strasbourg, a side event titled “Kazakhstan’s path to prosperity: democratic reforms and unity through parliamentary diplomacy” drew wide attention from diplomats, parliamentarians, and think tank experts. The discussion highlighted Kazakhstan’s progress in democratic reforms, its multilateral diplomacy, and its unique role as a connector between Asia and Europe.
Speaking at the event, Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized the country’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and expanding cooperation with Europe: “The European Union remains Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner and investor, accounting for about half of all direct foreign investment in our country. Kazakhstan, in turn, is among the top three suppliers of oil to the European market, with over 70% of our oil exports directed to Europe.”
Ashimbayev underscored key reforms under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s “Just Kazakhstan” agenda, including a one-term, seven-year presidential limit, an expanded and competitive party system, and lower thresholds for party registration. He highlighted human rights reforms, notably the abolition of the death penalty, and Kazakhstan’s efforts to foster intercultural dialogue through the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
Kazakhstan’s strategic position - bordering Russia and China while maintaining strong ties with the EU, U.S., and partners across the Middle East and South Asia - underpins its pragmatic neutrality. The country plays a vital role in the Belt and Road Initiative through the “Middle Corridor,” a multimodal transport route connecting China with Europe while bypassing instability zones.
Speakers underlined the balanced approach of Kazakhstan in the foreign policy. Its pragmatic, neutral policy is positioning Kazakhstan as a key connector between Asia and Europe in trade, security, and diplomacy. Invited to participate in the event, Katy Cojuhari, Head of the international cooperation department of the Geneva Center for Neutrality commented the synergy between Kazakhstan’s parliamentary diplomacy and its multi-vector foreign policy: “Parliamentary dialogue provides an avenue for countries to establish mutual confidence, to exchange experience. In parallel, Astana’s multilateral approach ensures balance among interests and creates the conditions for open dialogue between different centres of influence. Kazakhstan continues to offer platforms for dialogue, it takes initiatives in peacebuilding and in regional integration, which reinforces stability across Eurasia and beyond”.
https://www.vision-gt.eu/news/kazakhstan-as-a-key-connector-between-asia-and-europe/
