President Tokayev Sets Priorities for Reforming Armed Forces

Astana, The Gulf Observer: President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has chaired a meeting with senior officials of the country’s Ministry of Defense and outlined a number of priority tasks for the newly appointed defense minister.

According to the Akorda press service, the President identified three key priorities, beginning with improving the efficiency of defense budget spending.

Tokayev stressed that all allocated funds must produce maximum results in strengthening the country’s defense capability. He warned that unjustified expenditures and embezzlement would not be tolerated and said those responsible would be held accountable.

The second priority is reforming the Armed Forces in response to modern security threats. The Security Council Office, together with the Ministry of Defense, was instructed to prepare a military reform plan within 10 days.

The President also called for transparent criteria for the assessment and selection of military personnel, stressing that appointments to command positions should be based on experience and professional competence rather than personal loyalty.

The third priority is strengthening ideological and educational work among military personnel, with emphasis on the values of the Constitution, the history of military affairs and the achievements of Kazakh and global culture.

Tokayev said the Armed Forces should serve as a center for professional development, knowledge and patriotism, while ensuring that the safety and lives of military personnel remain an unconditional priority.

He described defense of the homeland as a sacred duty and stressed that personnel who dedicate their lives to military service should receive appropriate care and support from the state.

The President further emphasized the importance of objective coverage of military service, particularly recognizing servicemen who have received high assessments and commendations from their commanders.

Tokayev instructed officials to focus on developing a clear, practical and step-by-step reform plan rather than lengthy concepts and roadmaps. The plan is expected to be considered at a meeting of the Security Council in the second half of October.

Concluding the meeting, the President instructed the Security Council Office to coordinate efforts aimed at reforming the Armed Forces.