Photo: iStock
László Vasa
29/01/2025 21:35
At the same time, unlike its regional counterparts, it immediately began to build and maintain international relations on the basis of a multi-vector foreign policy doctrine. This emerging post-totalitarian country experienced dramatic political and socio-economic changes after gaining independence which directly influenced the development of its foreign policy. During this period of transformation, in addition to redefining national consciousness and nation-building, and as a new member of the international community, the country has prioritised over the last three decades strategic relations based on friendship with global geopolitical actors, in particular Russia, China, the United States and the European Union.
Kazakhstan has gained worldwide recognition as a country of cross-continental, religious and ethnic diversity and tolerance, geographically located at the crossroads of the main transport routes between Europe and Asia. Its unique geopolitical position, without direct access to the world's sea routes, and its transcontinental location, not only presents a challenge but also offers opportunities for foreign and trade policy relations with other countries. The essence of Kazakhstan's balancing foreign policy can be described as the pursuit of its national interests in international relations, taking advantage of the objective constraints and advantages of its geopolitical position.
The country, which has been officially recognised as a middle power since 2024, has a unique foreign policy not only because of its geographic location and geopolitical position, but also because it is a champion of global welfare and humanitarian issues such as nuclear disarmament, peace missions, religious and ethnic tolerance. All this adds to its weight and recognition in the world.
From the global to the regional level, Kazakhstan is not only a pioneer in the wider world: it is a key initiator of Central Asian integration, and any loose form of integration could give a strong boost to the region's economy and sense of security.
The region is also affected by the significant development process of the Central Corridor, in which both the West and the East have an interest. The corridor used to be only an alternative to the logistical corridors running through the North, i.e. Russia, but it is now the main trade artery between East and West and will remain important even if the situation in the North normalises. Let us not forget that whatever happens between East and West in terms of trade and transport, the infrastructure that has been built will remain in Central Asia, strengthening social and economic links between the two regions. It is safe to say that the Central Corridor will bring prosperity to Kazakhstan. It will also bring a leap forward in connectivity that was unprecedented even in the Silk Road era.
The world has faced many challenges in recent years. The immediate effects of the war in Ukraine have hit the Kazakh economy hard, compounded by the global recession and spiralling inflation. There is no doubt that these could severely erode business confidence in the Central Asian region and discourage economic activity in the region, whether trade or foreign capital investment. In this difficult situation, Kazakhstan could have turned inwards, especially after the unfortunate unrest in January 2022. Even experts were divided on when the country would recover from the shock and damage caused by the events. Almost three years after the events, it is safe to say that order and political stability have been restored in the country, and that significant political and socio-economic initiatives have been taken to transform the country's political and social system. Constitutional reforms have been carried out, with the authorisation of a national referendum, which have led to the establishment of new democratic principles of governance and political life: important measures have been taken, such as limiting presidential powers, strengthening the influence of parliament, an independent constitutional court, facilitating the creation of new political parties, direct election of municipal leaders.
In the spirit of the new constitution, presidential elections were held in November 2022, resulting in the election of the current president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, but for a single term of seven years under the new rules, without the possibility of re-election; and this applies to all future presidents. The presidential election, now conducted in a transparent manner under democratic rules, was an important milestone in the history of Kazakhstan, which has been independent for three decades. Most of the participants prosecuted for the January 2022 riots were granted amnesty; steps were also taken to ensure human rights and prevent abuses. As a result of the catharsis caused by the unrest, the efforts made over the past years have thus contributed to the creation of a fairer, more democratic Kazakhstan, a more vibrant, dynamic and effective political system.
Kazakhstan's domestic and foreign policy orientation has a positive impact on closer cooperation with Hungary, strengthening the already excellent strategic relations. Hungary is one of Kazakhstan's most important trade and economic partners in Central and Eastern Europe, and close cultural, educational and scientific cooperation should also be highlighted.
Hungary has made a sensible turn to the East with the aim of diversifying its foreign policy. In the case of Kazakhstan, a friendly base based on common historical roots and traditions can be built upon in developing relations. We have to admit that the world does not operate on the basis of ice-cold rationality when it comes to foreign policy and international relations. This is well demonstrated by organisations based on common culture and history, such as the Organisation of Turkic States, of which Kazakhstan is a full member and Hungary an observer.
Hungary and Kazakhstan are two progressive players, key players in their respective regions, which, by elevating their relations to a high strategic level, strengthen each other and become gateways to each other's regions, further enhancing their regional influence.
The author is Senior Advisor and Senior Researcher at the Hungarian Institute of Foreign Affairs