Tokayev urges nuclear powers to negotiate on test ban anniversary

AI digestMimile.ai EditorialAugust 29, 2026 at 08:03 AM

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Tokayev urges nuclear powers to negotiate on test ban anniversary

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on nuclear powers to hold negotiations and eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons use in an address marking the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. He spoke 35 years after the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, which Kazakhstan initiated the UN day to commemorate. Tokayev also reaffirmed Kazakhstan's support for nuclear energy development following a national referendum.

Key Facts

Tokayev called for negotiations between nuclear powers and the swift entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
The Semipalatinsk nuclear test site was closed 35 years ago, on 29 August 1991.
Kazakhstan voluntarily renounced the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal.
The International Day Against Nuclear Tests was established by the UN General Assembly on Kazakhstan's initiative.
Kazakhstanis supported the development of nuclear energy in a national referendum.

Presidential Address

Tokayev delivered the address on 29 August, the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. He stated that the date serves as a reminder of the tragic consequences of nuclear tests and a call to prevent their recurrence. The president emphasized that Kazakhstan's aspiration for peace and friendship with all states, enshrined in the preamble of the New Constitution, remains an unshakable principle of foreign policy.

Nuclear Disarmament Stance

Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's position as a leader of the global anti-nuclear movement. He called for negotiations between nuclear powers, the swift entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and decisive multilateral action to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons use. The president noted that Kazakhstan voluntarily renounced the fourth-largest nuclear arsenal on the planet, making a historic choice in favor of peace, security, and sustainable development.

Nuclear Energy Development

Tokayev stated that atomic energy must serve exclusively creative purposes. He recalled that in a national referendum, the people of Kazakhstan firmly supported the course toward developing nuclear energy. The president said this strategic choice lays a solid foundation for Kazakhstan's economic and scientific-technological progress for decades to come. He linked the anti-nuclear policy to large-scale reforms aimed at building a Just, Progressive, and Clean Kazakhstan.

Politics

Tokayev addresses Kazakhstan ahead of first Kurultai elections

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed Kazakhstan on August 21 ahead of the first elections to the new unicameral Kurultai, set for August 23. He called the vote a historic event and urged citizens, especially youth, to participate. The address aired on national television at 19:00.

Politics

Kazakhstan and CTBTO urge states to uphold nuclear test moratorium

Kazakhstan and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization called on all states to uphold nuclear test moratoriums and for those that have not signed or ratified the treaty to do so without delay. The joint appeal was issued on the International Day against Nuclear Tests by Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd. The call comes 35 years after the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site, where over 450 nuclear tests were conducted.

Politics

Tokayev chairs Kazakhstan Security Council meeting on critical minerals

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired a Security Council meeting on August 20 on developing Kazakhstan's critical materials sector, including rare and rare earth metals. Government members reported on the sector's current state and barriers, and Tokayev instructed state bodies to form a systemic vision, improve regulation, and expand exploration and processing.

Politics

Tokayev urges Kazakhs to replace hugs and kisses with traditional etiquette

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Sunday called on Kazakh citizens to abandon hugs and kisses in favor of traditional greeting etiquette. Speaking at a polling station briefing, he said he had personally initiated a new code of conduct. He criticized men embracing and kissing each other, including military officers.

Tokayev urges nuclear powers to negotiate on test ban anniversary

Key Facts

Presidential Address

Nuclear Disarmament Stance

Nuclear Energy Development

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