“I am categorically against reforms for the sake of reforms,” Tokayev says

Tengrinews.kz — Speaking in Astana at the forum of maslikhat deputies of all levels, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that under current conditions the role of foreign policy and diplomacy has grown significantly, citing the Akorda press service.

The Head of State recalled that, despite the obvious geopolitical changes resulting from watershed events in Latin America and the Middle East, Kazakhstan will continue to steadily pursue a course of developing comprehensive cooperation with all interested countries, both neighboring and distant.

“Under current conditions, the role of foreign policy and diplomacy has increased significantly, and Kazakhstan is no exception. Our domestic affairs, whether the economy or political reforms, largely depend on the international situation and its influence on processes inside the country,” he said.

The President stressed that under these conditions, the main factors of Kazakhstan’s successful development must be unity and stability.

“These are constant factors. But the resilience of these factors is not a gift of history; it is the result of the high civic and political responsibility of our compatriots. In this delicate sphere of domestic policy, neither the authorities nor society has the right to make mistakes. There is no place here for adventurism or overconfidence. We have now become convinced that ultra-conservative political systems, based on religious archaism and a mistaken understanding of national pride and national interests, are unviable and therefore doomed to fail.

To resist moving forward means stepping backward, going against the laws of existence. But overly rapid, ill-considered decisions and changes are also fraught with serious consequences. That is why I am categorically against reforms for the sake of reforms. A reasonable balance is required in everything. If you decide to cross a river on foot, you must be sure that your feet will find the bottom,” he said.

The Head of State also reminded that stability can be undermined in a matter of days or even hours, while restoring it can take decades.

“That is why I consider it absolutely important to adhere to the concept of Law and Order. This concept is the essence of our political system and way of life, and not populism at all. We must always remember: the fate of our common home — the Republic of Kazakhstan — depends only on ourselves. To tell the truth, no one in the world is concerned about whether we are ready for global shocks or what concerns our society lives by. A new era has begun, and we, as a progressive nation, must successfully adapt to modern challenges and counter them with our creative potential.

The sole purpose of the large-scale reforms being carried out in the country is to strengthen the independence and sovereignty of our state, ensure the rights and freedoms of citizens, and improve the well-being of the people,” the President noted.