Tokayev explains why Kazakhstan gave up nuclear weapons

Tengrinews.kz – The global security architecture cannot be based on nuclear deterrence, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said while delivering a lecture at the United Nations University.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the United Nations University in Tokyo, where he gave a lecture titled “Restoring strategic trust in an era of turbulence: how Kazakhstan sees a more just and stable world.”

A key part of the address focused on the growing nuclear threat. Tokayev noted that few countries understand the true cost of nuclear weapons as deeply as Kazakhstan and Japan.

“Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Semipalatinsk serve as reminders of the high price of nuclear responsibility and restraint. After gaining independence, Kazakhstan made a historic decision to close the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and renounce the world’s fourth-largest nuclear arsenal. This was not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of strategic foresight and a firm commitment to peace and global security,” Tokayev said.

He stressed that Kazakhstan’s position has remained unchanged over the past three decades.

“Thirty years later, our stance is the same: the global security architecture cannot rely on nuclear deterrence,” the President said.

Tokayev also emphasized that the international community must intensify efforts toward complete nuclear disarmament and ensure the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

“Kazakhstan calls for the resumption of high-level dialogue between nuclear-weapon states and for more decisive multilateral action to eliminate the threat of the use and testing of nuclear weapons. In these global efforts, Kazakhstan and Japan possess unique moral authority. Together, our countries could help bridge differences and demonstrate pragmatic leadership when nuclear powers struggle to reach consensus,” Tokayev stated.