New York, 28 November 2023 (TDI): Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, attended the Second Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) reiterating the state’s commitment in fulfilling terms of the treaty.
Murat Nurtleu spoke at the conference’s high-level session and drew the focus of the global audience to the adverse effects of nuclear weapons testing and use. To strengthen international stability, he advocated for negotiations and the broadening of confidence-building measures.
The Kazakh official also brought attention to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative “World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony.” The campaign, which was announced by the President of the United Nations in September of this year, proposes the promotion of “equal dialogue” grounded in the UN Charter, international law, and mutual respect.
The head of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry pointed out that Kazakhstan, in collaboration with Kiribati, has created proposals for the establishment of an International Trust Fund that will back projects to assist victims of nuclear tests and to restore the environment.
During his visit, Minister Nurtleu met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who praised Kazakhstan’s important role in the world, particularly in the current geopolitical environment, and highlighted the Head of State’s successful diplomatic efforts.
The UN leadership acknowledged the nation’s management and endeavors to improve international security, particularly in the area of nuclear arms control, and commended Kazakhstan for its support of the global Organization’s peacekeeping missions.
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Kazakh actions on nuke disarmament, bolstering the non-proliferation regime of weapons of mass destruction, and extending collaboration between nuclear-weapon-free zones were discussed during a conversation with UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu.
Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of nuclear-free zone participating countries in Kazakhstan in 2024.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to establish an International Biosafety Agency received special attention.
The willingness to cooperate with and endorse Kazakhstan’s disarmament initiatives was confirmed at a meeting with Melissa Park, Executive Director of ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons).
The Kazakhstan delegation organized two events during the conference to support those targeted for nuclear tests and to preserve the environment.
The involvement conference was organized with the partnership of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN Secretariat for citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and members of Pacific island states affected by nuclear weapons tests.
A political declaration will be adopted at the Second Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW, and Kazakhstan will take on a two-year Presidency.
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