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Tengrinews.kz – Is Kazakhstan ready for a possible large influx of refugees from Iran? This question was posed to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Bakayev.
According to the deputy minister, no official appeals have been received from ethnic Kazakhs living in Iran or other Middle Eastern countries following the outbreak of the conflict.
"What needs to be especially noted is that these are citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have already stated that we pursue a policy of non-interference in the affairs of other states. Therefore, speaking theoretically, if citizens apply – because we are talking about their citizens, regardless of ethnic origin," Bakayev said on the sidelines of the government.
Journalists asked whether such citizens would be granted refugee status. The official replied that this is possible if they meet the criteria set out in the existing protocol.
"And is Kazakhstan ready for a large flow of refugees?" Bakayev was asked again.
"Certainly. Such protocols exist. Government agencies within their competence always know what work needs to be carried out. But I would like to stress once again that no such requests have been made, there are no such signals, and the issue is under our control," the deputy foreign minister said.
It should be noted that Kazakhstan and Iran are neighboring states across the Caspian Sea, although they do not share a land border. Transport links between the countries are carried out through seaports as well as by a railway line passing through Turkmenistan.
Earlier, Alibek Bakayev stated that Kazakhstan adheres to a policy of non-interference in the affairs of third countries. At the same time, the country may provide a platform for negotiations between conflicting parties if requested.
Recall that on March 2, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the situation around Iran. The ministry expressed regret over strikes on civilian facilities in Arab states not participating in the war against Iran, with which Kazakhstan consistently develops relations of friendship and comprehensive cooperation.
The foreign ministry also expressed condolences to the people of Iran over the deaths of civilians, including children, as well as members of the country’s senior leadership as a result of the latest tragic events.
