Tokayev Calls for Nuclear Powers to Advance CTBT and Eliminate Nuclear Threat

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called on nuclear-armed states to engage in negotiations and accelerate efforts to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) into force, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s leading role in the global anti-nuclear movement.

According to Akorda, Tokayev made the remarks in a statement marking the International Day against Nuclear Tests, established by the UN General Assembly at Kazakhstan’s initiative.

The president recalled that 35 years ago, amid a challenging international environment, Kazakhstan closed the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. He noted that decades of nuclear testing at the site caused irreversible damage to human health and the environment, leaving a painful legacy for the Kazakh people.

Tokayev said the anniversary should serve as a reminder to the international community of the devastating consequences of nuclear testing and as a call to ensure that such tragedies never occur again.

He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s historic decision, following independence, to voluntarily renounce the world’s fourth-largest nuclear arsenal.

According to Tokayev, the decision represented a historic choice in favour of peace, security and sustainable development and reflected Kazakhstan’s responsibility towards future generations.

The president reaffirmed that Kazakhstan’s commitment to peace and friendship with all countries remains an unwavering principle of its foreign policy, as enshrined in the preamble of the country’s new Constitution.

He stressed that Kazakhstan’s position as one of the leaders of the global anti-nuclear movement remains unchanged.

Tokayev called for negotiations among nuclear powers, the earliest possible entry into force of the CTBT and decisive multilateral efforts to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons use.

At the same time, he emphasised that nuclear energy should be used exclusively for peaceful and constructive purposes.

The president noted that the people of Kazakhstan had firmly supported the country’s policy of developing nuclear energy through a nationwide referendum, creating a strong foundation for economic, scientific and technological advancement in the decades ahead.

Tokayev said the strategic decision forms an important component of Kazakhstan’s transformation and marks a new stage in the country’s sustainable development.

He added that large-scale reforms across all areas of public life are aimed at building a Just, Progressive and Clean Kazakhstan.

Expressing confidence in the country’s future, Tokayev said Kazakhstan would achieve this ambitious objective through collective efforts.