Past and present of Kazakhstan’Ans diplomacy discussed at ENU

The International Scientific and Practical Conference "Development of the Foreign Policy of Independent Kazakhstan: Historical Experience and Modernity" was held at The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.

The scientific forum was dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the First Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, statesman, Professor of ENU’s Faculty of International Relations Toleutai Suleimenov.

The conference, organized by the ENU Faculty of International Relations, was moderated by Dean Miras Kosybayev.

Domestic and foreign scientists, experts in the field of international relations, teachers and researchers discussed the peculiarities of the formation and development of Kazakhstan's foreign policy, comprehended historical experience and examined modern processes in the field of international relations.

During the event, congratulations were read out by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chairman of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aibek Dadebai and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tleuberdi and Rector of the Eurasian National University Yerlan Sydykov.

"Dear Toleutai Iskakovich, Your compatriots know and highly appreciate you as a prominent statesman and an experienced diplomat. You have made a huge contribution to the development of the diplomatic service by becoming the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of independent Kazakhstan. By honourably fulfilling the duties of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, as well as to a number of European countries, you have contributed to strengthening the authority of our State on the world stage and expanding multifaceted cooperation with important international organizations. Throughout your career, you have consistently put national interests above all else and served as an example of devoted service to the Motherland. I wish you to continue to enjoy the well-deserved respect and honor of your compatriots," President's address of greetings reads.

ENU’s Acting Rector Ardak Beisenbai noted the importance of studying the stages of the formation of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, as well as discussing issues of modern international relations.

"Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is one of the directions closely related to the history of the country's statehood, its national interests and its role in the international community. Over the years of independence, Kazakhstan has formed its own model of foreign policy and implemented a number of initiatives aimed at developing international cooperation and active participation in global and regional processes. The importance of the conference lies not only in the scientific understanding of this historical experience, but also in discussing topical issues of Kazakhstan's foreign policy in the context of changes in the modern system of international relations. I wish everyone a meaningful discussion, fruitful work and success in scientific research," the speaker said.

An important part of the conference was the ceremony honoring Toleutai Suleimenov, who made a significant contribution to the formation and development of Kazakhstan's foreign policy.

By the decision of the Scientific Council, Toleutai Suleimenov was awarded the medal of the Eurasian National University "Kultegin". He was also awarded the title of ENU’s Honorary Professor.

At the end of the plenary session, the First Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan said:

"The formation of our country's foreign policy is the result of great responsibility and hard work. Our testament to the current generation is to continue Kazakhstan's diplomatic course based on peace and cooperation."

The conference continued in three sections: "Diplomatic activity of T. Suleimenov and the foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan", "Kazakhstan in the modern system of international relations", "Diplomacy and international organizations in the context of global changes".

At the breakout sessions, the participants discussed the stages of formation and development of the foreign policy of independent Kazakhstan, the main directions of international and regional cooperation, as well as topical issues of the modern system of international relations.