Toqayev at APK: Safeguarding Unity, Language Rights, and National Interests in a Changing World

Commitment to Equality and Justice

Speaking at the 34th session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev emphasized the country’s commitment to equality.

There has never been discrimination in Kazakhstan on the basis of ethnicity, language, or religion. Every citizen is granted equal opportunities. That is what true justice looks like — and it is a core principle of the Just State,Toqayev said. 

Language Rights and Provocations

Continuing his address, Toqayev turned to the topic of language tensions, reaffirming the state’s stance on freedom of choice and the protection of civil unity.

In Kazakhstan, no one has the right to impose what language someone should speak, whether in personal conversations or during public speeches. All provocative actions on this topic, aimed at sowing discord in our society and destabilizing the country's situation, will be stopped and punished by law. Speaking about provocateurs, I mean not only so-called ‘home-grown’, but also those who carry out destructive activities from abroad, on order and with the financial support of foreign organizations he said.

He emphasized that while divisive actors will be held accountable under the law, those who promote unity and peace will continue to be honored and respected.

Building on the theme of national stability, Toqayev addressed the issue of foreign provocations and the role of non-governmental organizations operating within Kazakhstan:

We have stopped and will continue to strictly suppress any provocations and insinuations aimed at undermining interethnic harmony and peace in our country, no matter who they come from,the head of state said. 

He drew attention to the specific conduct:

We have to admit that, positioning themselves as champions of freedom of speech, certain supposedly human rights organizations, bloggers, and journalists are trying to find a negative political background in Kazakhstan everywhere and in everything; in fact, they are organizing provocations. This also applies to former citizens of Kazakhstan who have gone abroad and are conducting paid attacks on our people from there, even trying to blackmail our government agencies. Today, it is no secret to many that in doing so they are simply working off the foreign funding allocated to them,he added. 

According to Toqayev, the latest revelations about the activities of foreign NGOs have exposed their “cynicism, greed, and indifference to Kazakhstan,” while also shedding light on the questionable conduct of some well-known domestic grant recipients.

We are not saying that there are no problems in Kazakhstan. Of course, they exist, as in other countries, but we will solve them not according to someone else’s guidelines, but in accordance with our own legislation and national interests,” the President concluded. 

The President also noted that during difficult times, certain groups in society often seek to exploit others’ anxieties.

We must clearly understand that such difficult situations are always cynically exploited for selfish gain by various populists and political opportunists,
Toqayev stated. 

The Head of State emphasized the need for unity in resisting external and internal provocations.

It won’t be easy. Challenging times lie ahead, but there is no reason to panic. I’ve said it before and I want to again: these challenges will pass. We have always overcome adversity and we will do so again,
he said. 

Toqayev recalled that Kazakhstan has already weathered serious challenges in the past and that crises bring not only risks but also development opportunities.

Large-scale crises are accompanied not only by upheaval and losses, but also open up vast opportunities that must be properly and timely seized. We need to rely only on our own strength, mobilize all resources, and focus on constructive action, not meaningless speculation. The key to our success is individual responsibility and collective solidarity.

Reviewing Interethnic Policy

Toqayev instructed the government to evaluate all existing plans related to interethnic policy. He reiterated that peace and unity remain foundational values of Kazakhstan.

The President underlined that patriotism, civic duty, mutual trust, and responsibility form the basis of the country’s national identity.

Our entire framework for interethnic relations and national unity rests on the unshakable principle: ‘we are different, but we are equal.’ We avoid rushed, populist decisions and focus strictly on the real situation, adhering to a balanced, thoughtful policy. This, above all, includes strengthening the status of the state language as the language of interethnic communication,Toqayev stated. 

The Rise of the State Language

Toqayev welcomed the rising use of the state language across the country, citing positive statistics.

According to him, around 80% of students now take the Unified National Test in Kazakh, and more than 70% of first-graders are expected to begin their studies in Kazakh in 2025.

Cultural Harmony and National Traditions

The President then spoke of Kazakhstan’s harmonious cultural diversity, which continues to impress foreign observers.

We recently celebrated Easter in an atmosphere of friendship and unity. Foreign guests are always impressed by how our country's diverse customs and rituals are harmoniously combined. This reflects our unique worldview, open to other cultures.

Toqayev stressed the importance of preserving national traditions and giving particular attention to folk celebrations.

Nauryz, Maslenitsa, Sabantuy, and other folk holidays are not just joyful celebrations — they are a living reflection of the life, spirit, and history of our people. These events bring together the traditions, languages, and customs of Kazakhstan’s diverse ethnic groups, creating true unity in diversity.

Honoring War Heroes

Shifting to the commemoration of national history, Toqayev announced a significant initiative in connection with the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.

In accordance with my directive, the Republican Onomastic Commission recently decided to name more than 500 streets across the country in honor of local war heroes whose names have long been undeservedly overlooked, the President announced. 

Russia Is Kazakhstan’s Main Strategic Partner and Reliable Ally, Cooperation with China Has Deep Roots

Toqayev also highlighted the importance of fostering strong relationships with neighboring countries. He named the Chinese, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Turkmens, and Azerbaijanis, referring to them as "our closest friends and brothers."

Russia is the main strategic partner and reliable ally of Kazakhstan. Cooperation with China also has deep roots. The Chinese people have never harmed the Kazakh people and will not do so in the future. The Kyrgyz people living in the Alatau Mountains are our brothers. Since ancient times, we have respected the Uzbeks as our own brothers. The Turkmens are a kindred people for us, we honor our common ancestors. We also have sincere feelings for Azerbaijan, with which we share the shores of the ancient Caspian Sea. In a word, we maintain fraternal relations with all neighboring states. There are no unresolved issues between us. From the very beginning, Kazakhstan and Russia demarcated the longest land border on the continent by mutual consent. Recently, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan reached a common understanding on the border issue, which had not been resolved for many years. We can say that a historic agreement was signed, which we evaluate as a great achievement. We are happy for the fraternal states that we have consistently supported,he stated. 

He praised the unity and compassion of the Kazakh people:

We witnessed this again last year during the plane crash near Aqtau. Our citizens immediately responded — rushing to help the victims, lining up to donate blood, and laying flowers at the Azerbaijani embassy. Mercy, compassion, and goodwill are defining traits of our national character,he said. 

Extremist Ideologies Are Reemerging — Kazakhstan Stands with the UN

Toqayev also reflected on global instability and Kazakhstan’s stance on international cooperation. He warned of troubling global trends, emphasizing the resurgence of dangerous ideologies.

Unfortunately, against the backdrop of a profound global crisis of trust, we are witnessing a return to extremist ideologies and populism, a rise in radical rhetoric, the devaluation of international law, and the erosion of key international institutions,the President said. 

He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to the United Nations, calling it the world’s only truly global organization, and underscored the need for reform and adherence to its charter.

Toqayev noted that direct, people-to-people diplomacy remains the best tool for preventing conflict and promoting mutual understanding.

Kazakhstan will continue to support international dialogue through events like the upcoming VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which is scheduled for this fall.

First Post in a sequence on Telegram used as the basis for the article.