The Astana International Forum (AIF) kicked off on Thursday in the Kazakh capital, bringing together over 1,000 participants including heads of state, business executives, renowned academics, and representatives from more than 70 countries.
During the forum, over 100 ministerial officials along with high-ranking diplomats will share their insights through special lectures and discussions as part of the forum until Friday, covering key topics including foreign policy, international security, and climate change.
In his opening remarks, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation between countries amid growing global polarization, which is fueling conflicts and tensions worldwide.
"At a time of increasing global uncertainties, what matters most is how we respond," Tokayev said, stressing the AIF's important role as a platform founded on mutual respect.
Tokayev further explained that his country has played a role in fostering global cooperation. "We are entering a new era of global cooperation, where trust among people, knowledge sharing, and civic collaboration will shape international relations," he said. "Kazakhstan is ready to serve as a connector of ideas, a builder of consensus, and a trusted partner across regions and cultures."
North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova also shared similar views, stressing the need for collective action. "Major crises we face today stem from fundamental changes in global governance," she pointed out.
Raising concerns about the current rift in global cooperation, she emphasized that no country can address a wide range of global challenges alone. "Small and medium-sized nations, free from hegemonic ambitions, would provide moral guidance and innovative leadership to revitalize multilateralism. We can achieve this by building bridges between countries," she said.
Formerly known as the Astana Economic Forum, which primarily focused on economic issues from 2008 to 2019, the annual gathering has evolved into a platform for discussing critical global issues, underscoring Kazakhstan's role as a strategic hub linking Central Asia, East Asia, and Europe.
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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