Kazakhstan, UN Geneva Discuss Reforms, Nuclear Disarmament and Global Water Governance
Geneva, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Erzhan Kazykhan, met with UN Geneva Director-General Tatiana Valovaya to discuss bilateral cooperation, key issues on the multilateral agenda and Kazakhstan’s initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said.
During the meeting, Kazykhan briefed Valovaya on Kazakhstan’s ongoing political and institutional reforms following the adoption of the country’s new Constitution. He also outlined measures being undertaken to further improve the public administration system.
Particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s upcoming August 23 elections to the Qurultay, which the Kazakh side described as an important step in implementing the country’s new constitutional model.
The officials also discussed nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, with Kazakhstan reaffirming its longstanding commitment to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.
Kazykhan informed Valovaya about preparations for an event at the Palais des Nations marking the 20th anniversary of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia, highlighting Kazakhstan’s continued contribution to global nuclear security and non-proliferation efforts.
Water governance was another key topic of the discussions. The Kazakh side highlighted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal to strengthen the global architecture for managing water resources through the establishment of an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations.
The Kazakh representative also emphasized the potential role of Geneva and UN agencies based in the city in facilitating expert and diplomatic dialogue on global water-related challenges.
The meeting further covered efforts to reform the United Nations system, including the UN80 initiative, with both sides underscoring the importance of preserving and strengthening Geneva’s role as a major global center of multilateral diplomacy.
The officials also exchanged views on the representation and participation of Kazakhstani professionals within UN structures.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Kazakhstan and the UN Office at Geneva reaffirmed their interest in further expanding cooperation and maintaining substantive dialogue on key issues on the international agenda.
