Live Updates from Astana International Forum

Astana 8. June  2023

As the Astana International Forum (AIF) opens on June 8, The Astana Times offers live updates from the opening ceremony and plenary session of the forum.

11:10 – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened the plenary session with welcoming remarks and expressed his gratitude toward the attending heads of states and executives of international organizations.

11:15 – Tokayev emphasized the importance of dialogue in a “spirit of mutual cooperation,” renewing and rebuilding a common culture of multilateralism. “In the period of unprecedented geopolitical tensions, promoting peace and prosperity for the many is of paramount importance,” he said. 

11:20 – President Tokayev prioritized global cooperation in the face of challenges. “Just as the combination of geopolitical factors push us apart, we face a strong and clear imperative to come together.”

11:25 – The President emphasized Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to diversification and sustainable economic development. He reminded the forum participants about Kazakhstan’s role in disarmament efforts, and its efforts to settle the Syrian crisis and tackle the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

11:27 – Tokayev dedicated part of his speech to speak about the reforms taking place in Kazakhstan that are unique for the region. “My credo is strong: law and order. This is a solid basis for building a just and fair Kazakhstan. We have reformed our institutions in a very short period of time, curtailed the powers of the presidency and fought corruption. Contemporary Kazakhstan is different from what it was several years ago,” he said. 

Photo credit: Assel Satubaldina/The Astana Times