Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

"Tokayev" redirects here. For other people with the name, see Tokayev (disambiguation).

In this name that follows Eastern Slavic naming customs, the patronymic is Kemeluly and the family name is Tokayev.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Қасым-Жомарт Тоқаев
Tokayev in 2024
2nd President of Kazakhstan
Incumbent
Assumed office 12 June 2019 Acting: 20 March – 12 June 2019
Prime Minister	Asqar Mamin Alihan Smaiylov Roman Sklyar (acting) Oljas Bektenov
Preceded by	Nursultan Nazarbayev
Chairman of the Security Council of Kazakhstan
Incumbent
Assumed office 5 January 2022
Preceded by	Nursultan Nazarbayev
State Secretary of Kazakhstan
In office 29 January 2002 – 13 June 2003
President	Nursultan Nazarbayev
Preceded by	Abish Kekilbayev
Succeeded by	Imangali Tasmagambetov
4th Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
In office 1 October 1999 – 28 January 2002 Acting: 1 October 1999 – 12 October 1999
President	Nursultan Nazarbayev
Deputy	Aleksandr Pavlov Daniyal Akhmetov
Preceded by	Nurlan Balgimbayev
Succeeded by	Imangali Tasmagambetov
Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
In office 15 March 1999 – 1 October 1999
Prime Minister	Nurlan Balgimbayev
Chairman of the Assembly of People
Incumbent
Assumed office 28 April 2021
Preceded by	Nursultan Nazarbayev
Chairman of Amanat
In office 28 January 2022 – 26 April 2022
Preceded by	Nursultan Nazarbayev
Succeeded by	Erlan Qoşanov
Senate career 6th Chair of the Senate In office 16 October 2013 – 19 March 2019 Deputy Qairat Işçanov Asqar Beisenbaev Sergey Gromov Bektas Beknazarov Preceded by Kairat Mami Succeeded by Dariga Nazarbayeva 4th Chair of the Senate In office 11 January 2007 – 15 April 2011 Deputy Muhambet Kopeev Aleksandr Sudin Preceded by Nurtai Abykayev Succeeded by Kairat Mami Member of the Senate In office 16 October 2013 – 19 March 2019 Appointed by Nursultan Nazarbayev In office 11 January 2007 – 15 April 2011
Appointed by	Nursultan Nazarbayev
Diplomatic positions Minister of Foreign Affairs In office 29 January 2002 – 11 January 2007 Prime Minister Imangali Tasmagambetov Daniyal Akhmetov Karim Massimov Preceded by Erlan Idrissov Succeeded by Marat Tajin In office 13 October 1994 – 12 October 1999 Prime Minister Akejan Kajegeldin Nurlan Balgimbayev Preceded by Kanat Saudabayev Succeeded by Erlan Idrissov 11th Under-Secretary General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva In office 12 March 2011 – 16 October 2013 Preceded by Sergei Ordzhonikidze Succeeded by Michael Møller
Personal details
Born	Kassym-Zhomart Kemelevich Tokayev (1953-05-17) 17 May 1953 Alma-Ata, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union (now Almaty, Kazakhstan)
Political party	Independent (1991–1999, 2022–present)
Other political affiliations	CPSU (before 1991) Amanat (1999–2022)
Spouse	Nadezhda Tokayeva ​ ​ (m. 1980; div. 2020)​
Children	1
Education	Moscow State Institute of International Relations Beijing Language and Culture University
Signature

Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev (born 17 May 1953) is a Kazakh politician and diplomat who has served as the President of Kazakhstan since March 20, 2019.

Born in Alma-Ata (now Almaty), Tokayev attended the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. After graduating in 1975, he worked as a diplomat in Singapore and China. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Tokayev became the deputy foreign minister of a newly independent Kazakhstan in 1994, where he was involved on the issues of nuclear disarmament within the former Soviet republics. In 1999, Tokayev became the deputy prime minister, and in October of that year with the endorsement of the Parliament, he was appointed as prime minister by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. From 2002, Tokayev served as foreign minister and state secretary, where he continued to play an active role in the field of nuclear non-proliferation. He was the director-general of the UN Office at Geneva from 2011 to 2013 and served twice as a chairman of the Kazakh Senate from 2007 to 2011 and 2013 to 2019.

In 2019, Tokayev assumed office as the acting president after Nursultan Nazarbayev's resignation. Being a member of the ruling Amanat party, he won a snap election in June of that year with the support of Nazarbayev as the nominee for the party. During his presidency, he has enacted several reforms including increasing workers' salaries, reducing corruption, abolishing capital punishment, and decentralising the local government. From 2020, Tokayev had endured the economic downturn and issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and War in Afghanistan and has sought to counter Kazakhstan's rising inflation, domestic terrorism, illegal migration, drug trafficking, nuclear energy development and power shortages caused by cryptocurrency mining, as well as the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. In 2022, Tokayev announced constitutional reforms that would limit his powers and grant more authority to the Parliament. As a result, he initiated a constitutional referendum which was backed by an overwhelming number of voters and led to the complete stripping of Nazarbayev's post-presidential privileges regarding policymaking.

Since becoming president, Tokayev's political influence and role in Kazakhstan had steadily grown apart from Nazarbayev as he assumed various other powerful positions which were previously held by Nazarbayev starting with the chairmanship of the Assembly of People in 2021. In January 2022, he imposed a nationwide state of emergency, dismissed the entirety of Asqar Mamin's government, and ordered security forces to use deadly force following a two-week long violent unrest that had begun earlier that month. Shortly thereafter, Tokayev took the leading role in the Security Council and ruling Amanat party from Nazarbayev and along with his relatives, dismissed several officials who held a close relationship with Nazarbayev.

While managing to maintain the country's stability, ensuring political transition, and enacting new reforms, Tokayev's governance has remained authoritarian with human rights abuses. The 2022 Suisse Secrets leaks revealed that the Tokayev family had maintained an elaborate network of secretive offshore wealth assets since at least 1998.

Early life and education

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was born into a prominent Kazakh family in the city of Alma-Ata (now Almaty). His father, Kemel Tokayev (1923–1986), a World War II veteran and renowned writer, is considered the founder of Kazakh detective fiction. His mother, Turar Shabarbayeva (1931–2000), worked at the Alma-Ata Institute of Foreign Languages. He was named after his uncle, Kassym Tokayev, a Red Army soldier who was killed during the Battle of Rzhev. In reflecting on the impact of the war on his father, Tokayev shared that his father "did not like to talk about the war," only revealing his thoughts when discussing "his first encounter with the enemy, the courage of the average soldier, and his burning desire to return home." Kemel Tokayev later received a medal for his contributions to the development of the Virgin Lands campaign after the war.

Tokayev spent part of his childhood in the village of Kälpe, Karatal District, in the Jetisu Region, where his family had deep roots. In 1970, Tokayev enrolled in the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, where he studied Mandarin. During his fifth year, he was sent to the Soviet embassy in China for a six-month training course.

Early career

Upon graduating from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1975, Tokayev joined the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was posted to the Soviet Embassy in Singapore.

In 1979, Tokayev returned to the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1983, he attended training courses at the Beijing Language Institute in China. From 1984 to 1991, he served in various diplomatic roles at the Soviet embassy in Beijing, including Second Secretary, First Secretary, and Counsellor. In 1991, he enrolled at the Soviet Diplomatic Academy in Moscow to further his diplomatic training.

Political career

Deputy foreign minister (1992–1994)

In March 1992, Tokayev was appointed a deputy foreign minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan. From there, he briefly took stance against nuclear disarmament in the former Soviet republics of Belarus and Ukraine under pressure by Russia, letting negotiations to be held under the United Nations Security Council, writing it as "a significant success of Kazakh diplomacy, which was taking its first steps in the international arena, opened the way for further negotiations with all influential states at the highest level."

In 1993, he became first deputy foreign minister and on 13 October 1994, Tokayev was appointed to the post of minister of foreign affairs.

In March 1999, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan (1999–2002)

Main article: Tokayev Government

Tokayev with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, 19 January 2000

On 12 October 1999, with the endorsement of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, he was appointed Prime Minister of Kazakhstan by decree of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Upon assuming office, Tokayev’s government placed a strong emphasis on the agricultural sector, recognizing it as a fundamental pillar of the nation's economy. He cautioned against prematurely introducing legislation on land privatization, thereby signaling a cautious approach to such significant reforms. Additionally, Tokayev outlined several key areas of focus for the government, including the development of sports, the timely payment of pensions, and providing support for domestic producers—measures deemed essential for ensuring the long-term economic and social stability of Kazakhstan.

Under Tokayev's leadership, Kazakhstan's economy showed significant growth, with GDP expanding by 13.5% in 2001, while inflation was successfully reduced by 11.2%. However, in November 2001, during an interview with Khabar Agency, Tokayev threatened to resign unless Nazarbayev took action against certain government officials whom he accused of undermining the executive branch and obstructing necessary democratic reforms. As a result of this pressure, six cabinet members were dismissed, including Deputy Prime Minister Oraz Jandosov, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Alikhan Baimenov, Pavlodar Region akim Galymzhan Zhakiyanov, and Deputy Defense Minister Janat Ertlesova. As a result, six cabinet members, including Jandosov, Zhakiyanov and Ertlesova were dismissed by Nazarbayev.

On 28 January 2002, Tokayev resigned from his post as Prime Minister, citing the centralization of power under the strong presidential system as the cause of his resignation. He was subsequently appointed as State Secretary and Minister of Foreign Affairs, where he continued to play a key role in shaping Kazakhstan’s foreign policy.

Foreign minister and state secretary (1994–1999, 2002–2007)

Tokayev in 2006

As a minister of foreign affairs, Tokayev played an active role in the field of nuclear non-proliferation. In 1995 and 2005, he participated in the Review Conferences for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York City. In 1996, he signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in New York, and in 2005 the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone in Central Asia (CANWFZ) in Semipalatinsk.

He was elected Chairman of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States and of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Tokayev took part in ten sessions of the United Nations General Assembly. He held a diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

On 28 March 2003, Tokayev expressed support for the US invasion of Iraq, citing concerns over Saddam Hussein's potential development of weapons of mass destruction.

Throughout his tenure, Tokayev pursued a multi-vector foreign policy, balancing Kazakhstan’s relations with Russia, China, and the West. His diplomatic efforts helped Kazakhstan avoid confrontations with other states, instead fostering cooperation and promoting stability both regionally and globally.

Chairman of the Senate (2007–2011, 2013–2019)

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry on 13 September 2013

On 11 January 2007, Tokayev was appointed Deputy and Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan by Nursultan Nazarbayev. He was elected unanimously by the Senate deputies to the position. Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan was facing important tasks at this moment in history and pledged to make every effort to achieve the country's goals, including the strategy to place Kazakhstan among the top 50 most competitive states.

He served the post until being relieved on 15 April 2011 after being appointed Director-General of the United Nations. President Nazarbayev expressed his gratitude towards Tokayev, stating that he's "absolutely committed to the path of reforms that I am pursuing."

On 16 October 2013, he was reappointed again as the Senate Chair and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate MPs.

During the 2016 Protests against land reforms in Kazakhstan, Tokayev stressed the issue of land lease to be dealt with in a critical matter.

During the interview to BBC News in June 2018, Tokayev hinted a possibility on Nazarbayev's succession by expressing his belief that he wouldn't run for re-election as his presidential term was to end in 2020.

Vice-President of the OSCE PA

While serving as a deputy of the Senate, Tokayev was elected Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA) during its 31st Annual Session in Astana on 3 July 2008. From there, he played a key part in international parliamentary diplomacy, election monitoring, and regional security discussions. Tokayev contributed to OSCE PA initiatives, including serving as deputy head of the election observation mission under Tony Lloyd to Belarus during the 2010 presidential election, which raised concerns about electoral transparency and human rights violations.

Tokayev also prioritized trans-regional cooperation, particularly in addressing security challenges in Central Asia, such as the unrest in Kyrgyzstan and the conflict in Afghanistan. He advocated for stronger OSCE engagement in the region and efforts to enhance stability. His leadership was instrumental in hosting key OSCE PA events in Kazakhstan, including the 2010 Trans-Asian Parliamentary Forum in Almaty, where Tokayev reinforced Kazakhstan’s commitment to international cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy.

Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva

Tokayev speaking at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, 1 October 2012

In March 2011, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, announced the appointment of Tokayev to succeed Sergei Ordzhonikidze as the Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, a key hub for the UN's international diplomatic and humanitarian work, citing his wealth of experience at senior government levels, his thorough knowledge of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) and his extensive management expertise. With this appointment, Tokayev made history as the first Asian representative to hold the position.

Tokayev was appointed as the Personal Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to the CD, a vital body for negotiating international arms control and disarmament agreements. During his leadership, he navigated financial challenges, implemented reforms to improve efficiency, and ensured the office’s continued effectiveness. He worked to overcome the deadlock on critical disarmament issues, including the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, proposing in February 2012 procedural reforms such as extending the presidency duration and expanding membership. Tokayev emphasized the need for political will and urgent action to revitalize the CD and advance global disarmament efforts. His tenure also saw his participation in the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, where he highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and global security.

Tokayev's tenure was marked by his efforts to promote Geneva as a diplomatic hub on issues such as human rights, global health, economic cooperation, and climate change for international dialogue as well as addressing conflicts, such as the Syrian civil war, and territorial disputes. He strongly supported UN reforms, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s initiatives to reduce administrative costs and enhance transparency in UN operations, aligning with his broader goal of maintaining the UN Office’s effectiveness.

Following his appointment as Chairman of the Senate, Tokayev stepped down as Director-General of the UN Office in Geneva and was succeeded by Michael Møller on 5 November 2013.

Presidency

Main article: Presidency of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Acting president

On 19 March 2019, then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced his resignation. According to the Constitution of Kazakhstan, in case of early termination of powers, the Senate chairman becomes the acting president until the end of the previous term. On 20 March, Tokayev officially took office as president.

Immediately upon assuming office, Tokayev proposed renaming the capital city of Kazakhstan after his predecessor, and the same day the Parliament of Kazakhstan approved the renaming of Astana to Nur-Sultan.

In his first weeks of office, Tokayev conducted trips across regions, meeting with various groups, and emphasized the importance of political stability, socio-economic development, and alignment with Nazarbayev's legacy. He focused on ensuring continuity and stability in Kazakhstan’s policies, while addressing new global challenges through effective leadership and strategic direction.

2019 presidential election

Main articles: 2019 Kazakh presidential election and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev 2019 presidential campaign

On 9 April 2019, Tokayev announced early elections to be held on 9 June 2019. From there, he guaranteed electoral transparency and insisted that Kazakhstan is a democratic state which Tokayev cited as reason for a president to be elected according to the "will of the people" as well as eliminate "political uncertainty".

Tokayev became a candidate for presidency following his nomination by the ruling Nur Otan party on 23 April 2019.

During the campaign, Tokayev's election promises focused on continuation of existing policies, justice and progress, citing his personal reason in participating in the race to ensure Nazarbayev's continuity, a major part of Tokayev's platform. While campaigning, Tokayev was mocked on social media for his use of photo manipulation software to erase his wrinkles and double chin from official photos.

Tokayev was elected president of Kazakhstan on 9 June with 71% of the popular vote. He was congratulated by foreign heads of state such as Xi Jinping, Ilham Aliyev, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Emomali Rahmon, and Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

Early presidency (2019–2022)

Following his victory in the 2019 election, Tokayev was fully sworn in as Kazakhstan's second president on 12 June 2019 at the Palace of Independence in Nur-Sultan, which was attended by high-ranking Kazakh officials including former president Nazarbayev himself. From there, Tokayev addressed the nation that he would serve the nation's citizens fairly, embarking that "different opinions, united nation" would be a slogan of his presidency.

In June 2019, following a military ammo deposit blast in the town of Arys which resulted in evacuations of residents and hundreds of injuries, Tokayev launched a criminal case and ordered the Interior and Defence ministries to prevent possible more explosions, pledging that any perpetrators would be prosecuted. Tokayev paid visit to the town on 25 June, touring buildings that were affected by the blast as well as meeting with hospitalised victims.

Tokayev delivered his first State of the Nation Address on 2 September 2019. The address focused on strengthening civil society and social security, supporting domestic business and economic development.

After the Bek Air Flight 2100 crash, Tokayev declared the following day, 28 December 2019, a national day of mourning and said that "all those responsible will be severely punished in accordance with the law." He also ordered the suspension of the flight authorisation of Bek Air, the domestic airline involved.

Following the Dungan–Kazakh ethnic clashes which broke out in February 2020, Tokayev fired the governor, deputy governor and police chief of the southern Jambyl Region. Tokayev blamed "two criminal groups" fighting over contraband for the deadly ethnic violence between ethnic Kazakhs and the relatively wealthier Dungan minority.

In an interview to Informburo news agency, Tokayev commented on the fate of Mukhtar Dzhakishev, saying "this issue is exclusively within the competence of the court. Of course, I am aware that Dzhakishev has repeatedly applied for parole on ill-health. The session of the court of first instance will be held on 3 March. Let's wait for its decision, which I am sure will be fair." On 3 March 2020, the Semey City Court upheld the motion to grant parole to Dzhakishev. He served a 14-year prison sentence since 2009.

In his second State of the Nation Address on 1 September 2020, Tokayev unveiled seven reforms with most focus on economic recovery. From there, he spoke of optimizing Kazakhstan's social system, increasing productivity and a greener economy, leveling business conditions, investing more in education and overseeing the state's administration as it becomes more sensitive and accountable.

Relationship with Nazarbayev

In the early years of his presidency, Tokayev governed under the significant influence of Nursultan Nazarbayev, who continued to hold key positions, including the chairmanship of the Security Council, the ruling Nur Otan party, and the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan (QHA). Additionally, Dariga Nazarbayeva’s appointment as Senate Chairwoman positioned her as Tokayev’s constitutional successor, which contributed to the perception of a dual power structure.

In October 2019, Tokayev signed a decree stipulating that ministerial appointments required Nazarbayev's approval, with the exception of the ministers of defense, interior, and foreign affairs. This move further underscored Nazarbayev's continued influence over key governmental decisions. However, in May 2020, Tokayev dismissed Dariga Nazarbayeva from her position as Senate Chairwoman, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power and fueling speculation about Tokayev’s increasing political independence.

Throughout this period, Tokayev rejected the notion of a dual power structure, emphasizing that there was no diarchy between himself and Nazarbayev. He asserted that while he occasionally sought advice from Nazarbayev, he was the legitimately elected head of state and that there were no contradictions in his exercise of presidential authority.

Nazarbayev’s gradual retreat from the political scene became more evident on 28 April 2021, when he resigned from the chairmanship of the QHA and nominated Tokayev as his successor. By November 2021, Nazarbayev officially ceded leadership of the Nur Otan party to Tokayev, thus consolidating Tokayev’s control over both the presidency and the ruling party.

Abolition of capital punishment

Tokayev played a pivotal role in Kazakhstan’s decision to abolish the death penalty, a move shaped by domestic human rights advocacy and international commitments. In December 2019, he announced the country's intention to join the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, responding to concerns raised by Kazakh human rights activists and experts during discussions at the National Council of Public Trust. He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate the process of accession, setting the stage for legislative changes.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, Tokayev framed the decision as a step toward fulfilling "a fundamental right to life and human dignity." Shortly after, on 23 September 2020, Kazakhstan’s representative to the UN, Kairat Umarov, formally signed the protocol. The Parliament ratified the document on 29 December 2020, and on 2 January 2021, Tokayev signed the decree officially abolishing the death penalty.

2021 legislative elections

In autumn 2020, Tokayev announced date for 2021 legislative electionss, where he asserted that the electoral and political process had been liberalised to allow for greater involvement in civil society and that the newly incoming parliament convocation will focus on support for socio-economic reforms. During election day, Tokayev said that the government would resign in accordance with law and that he would consult with newly elected deputies and party leaders in regard to the appointments of prime minister and cabinet members.

In the aftermath of vote, the ruling Nur Otan despite losing dozen seats, topped the results in which the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) citied that the elections "lacked genuine competition". At the opening session of the 7th Parliament held on 15 January 2021, Tokayev reappointed Asqar Mamin as the prime minister.

Domestic policy

Tokayev outlined main directions for Kazakhstan which were increasing the incomes of population, eradication of corruption, judicial reforms, creating new jobs with decent wages, solving housing issues, fair social policies, regional developments, spiritualism, foreign national interests and youth opportunities. In his first month of presidency, Tokayev made several reorganisations and appointments within the administration and the ministerial cabinet with some top officials such as Presidential Administration head Bakhytzhan Sagintayev and National Security Committee chairman Karim Massimov keeping their posts while others being reshuffled or forced to stepped down.

Economic reforms

Tokayev has emphasized economic equity, advocating for a fair distribution of national income, which he described as "strategically important" for Kazakhstan. Early in his presidency, he took steps to enhance trade and economic growth, establishing the Ministry of Trade and Integration in June 2019 and appointing Bakhyt Sultanov as its head. The Ministry was tasked with boosting exports, a key driver of job creation and economic expansion.

In response to financial difficulties faced by citizens, Tokayev prioritized wage increases and debt relief. In a national address, he announced a raise in the minimum wage—the first since 2018—from 42,500 to 60,000 ₸, effective 1 January 2022. He framed this decision as a necessary step to stimulate domestic consumption amid the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To further support workers, he urged businesses to increase salaries and pledged state-backed incentives to facilitate wage growth.

Tokayev also pursued social support policies aimed at relieving personal debt. In an interview with Bloomberg News, he outlined an initiative to assist citizens in extreme financial hardship, ultimately benefitting 16% of Kazakhstan’s population. Rejecting government bailouts for banks, he instead signed a decree on 26 June 2019 directing the government and National Bank to begin decommissioning unsecured consumer loans, signaling a shift toward financial self-reliance.

His administration also focused on economic governance and structural reforms. In January 2020, Tokayev initiated the formation of the Centre for Analysis and Monitoring of Socio-Economic Reforms, later evolving into the Presidential Reform Agency. That same month, he called for stricter registration policies for cars imported from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), despite protests from vehicle owners with foreign plates.

The economic challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted further government intervention. In March 2020, Tokayev directed the government to develop an anti-crisis plan to uphold social obligations. The plan introduced tax incentives, subsidized credit, and employment support to ease the burden on the private sector. However, as inflation surged, public dissatisfaction grew. Tokayev criticized the government and central bank for their inaction, calling for a reduction in inflation to 2–4% and attributing the rise in prices to an excess money supply generated by pandemic relief measures.

Credit amnesty

On 26 June 2019, the President signed a Decree "On Measures to Reduce the Debt Burden of Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan" to provide timely assistance to citizens with financial difficulties. The credit amnesty was a one-time measure and affected families with many children, disabled people, and recipients of state-targeted social assistance. The amount of loans to be written off had to be no more than 3 million tenge (around $6,500) as of 1 June 2019.

Education

See also: Education in Kazakhstan

At the teacher's conference held in August 2019, Tokayev announced that the average salary for schoolteachers in Kazakhstan would be increased by double within four years. He also instructed the Ministry of Education and Science to develop and launch special programs to overcome the academic gap of children from low-income families and schools in socially troubled areas, noting the need of overcome educational inequality specially between rural and urban areas.

Energy and cryptocurrency

See also: Energy in Kazakhstan and Cryptocurrency mining

Tokayev expressed the need for Kazakhstan to have a nuclear power plant in April 2019, claiming that the country would face an electricity deficit by 2030. From early 2021, energy consumption in Kazakhstan sharply rose by 8% as a result of increase in cryptocurrency mining from miners fleeing China.

In May 2021, Tokayev announced the Low-Carbon Development Concept, a national project which seeks to reduce Kazakhstan's dependency on coal by development electric power industry and the country's energy balance by 2035.

Environment

See also: Environment of Kazakhstan

From the outset of his presidency, Tokayev signaled a commitment to addressing environmental challenges, describing them as "concerning" in his inaugural speech. To streamline environmental governance, he established the Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources in June 2019, appointing Magzum Myrzagaliev as its head. The Ministry was tasked with overseeing environmental protection, resource management, and waste treatment, reflecting Tokayev’s broader agenda of sustainable development.

One of the key environmental issues Tokayev addressed was air pollution in Almaty, where he emphasized the need for decisive action. He directed the government, the city administration, and Samruk-Energy to expedite the transition of the Almaty-2 thermal power station to natural gas, citing its emissions as a major source of pollution. Tokayev warned against any delays in implementation, calling them "absolutely unacceptable."

His administration also pursued legislative measures to protect Kazakhstan’s natural resources. In 2021, the Mäjilis ratified a protocol under the Caspian Sea Framework Convention, aimed at regulating pollution from land-based sources. Tokayev signed the law into effect on 4 October 2021, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s commitment to regional environmental cooperation.

Healthcare

See also: Healthcare in Kazakhstan

Tokayev supported a health insurance mandate in Kazakhstan as a way to improve the quality and accessibility of medical services as well as maintained funding for free medical care and the development of healthcare system.

On 7 July 2020, Tokayev signed the new code "On public health and healthcare system" and law "On amendments and additions to certain legislative acts on healthcare issues" into place, which strengthened legal protection for medical personnel, introduced a differentiated approach to medical errors, and redefined a citizen's rights regarding vaccination. The code also restricted the consumption of e-cigarettes and introduced a ban on the import, production and distribution of snus and other non-smoking tobacco products, as well as introduced administrative responsibility for the sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 21.

Infrastructure

Tokayev pledged for the government to continue in investing for the development of infrastructure so that Kazakh citizens would have an access for clean drinking water, natural gas and public transport and continue in monitoring the implementation of the Nurly Zhol programme, of which was enacted by Nazarbayev. He called for the officials along with the Parliament and Accounts Committee to ensure the efficient use of budget funds.

During a visit to Almaty in May 2020, Tokayev was presented with plans for the reconstruction of the Almaty International Airport which included a new terminal, from there he expressed his desire that the Almaty Airport would become largest aviation hub in Central Asia.

Political reforms

See also: Politics of Kazakhstan

Listening State

Tokayev meeting with government officials and deputies, 15 January 2021

One of the significant elements of the President's public policy was to propose the concept of a "Listening State", where the public administration would follow the basic principle of "not a citizen for the state, but a state for the citizen". Tokayev advocated political reforms that would promote the concept of a "state that listens" to civil society creating a constructive dialogue. Tokayev initiated the establishment of the new National Council of Public Trust to facilitate this dialogue.

He also called for direct elections for the äkıms (local heads) of rural districts, townships, and villages to be held in 2021 to which he signed decree on 14 September 2020 of the implementation of National Plan of Measures which set tasks for the drafting of constitutional amendments that would allow for rural äkım direct elections as well as the development of local government and its functions.

In May 2020, Tokayev signed the laws "On the procedure for organizing and holding peaceful assemblies in the Republic of Kazakhstan", "On introducing amendments to the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan", "On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan", and "On introducing amendments and additions to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Political Parties". The new laws are an important part of the measures to strengthen the state's democratic foundations, and enhance the role of civil society. In his State of the Nation Address, he emphasised that "Kazakhstan must create a multi-party system to build a modern, effective state", also saying that the ruling Nur Otan party should collaborate more with other parties.

In January 2021, Tokayev at the opening first session of the 7th Parliament proposed to reduce the electoral threshold from 7% to 5%, stating it would encourage more registered parties to participate in the future parliamentary elections as well as the vote option "Against all" to be re-included in the ballots once again. As the Parliament ratified Tokayev's proposed constitutional amendments, he signed the laws into place on 25 May 2021.

Foreign policy

Tokayev (right) with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, 25 September 2019

Tokayev at the 2019 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit

In his first month as president, Tokayev met with four world leaders — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during trips abroad, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Nur-Sultan — strengthening Kazakhstan's international relations.

On 4 December 2019, on the eve of a state visit to Germany, he gave an interview to Deutsche Welle, in which he called Germany a "key European partner for Kazakhstan". In that same interview, he drew controversy by saying that he did not believe that the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation was an invasion while also saying that he believed in the "wisdom of the Russian leadership", drawing condemnation from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who issued a demarche in response.

In April 2021, Tokayev signed a decree forming the Special Representative for International Cooperation, claiming that such post would increase attention of Kazakhstan's leadership to international cooperation concerns in the light of the dynamically changing global and regional agenda. He appointed Erzhan Kazykhanov to the post, whom was instructed to deal with issues of expanding international cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, climate diplomacy, as well as promoting Kazakhstan's key foreign policy initiatives.

Tokayev at the 2021 Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States in Istanbul, Turkey

During the sixth meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia held on 10–11 October 2021, Tokayev proposed turning the intergovernmental forum into a full-fledged organisation, outlining that the transformation would emphasise Asia's new role in global affairs which in turn give the member states commitment to create "a truly common, indivisible, and comprehensive security architecture on the largest continent".

2021 Taliban offensive

See also: Afghanistan–Kazakhstan relations

Following the 2021 Taliban offensive, Tokayev urged to take measures in ensuring safety of Kazakhstani citizens and diplomats within Afghanistan, in which Kazakhstan would closely follow its developments. During a meeting with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia Tehri Hakala, Tokayev expressed concern in regards to the stability in Afghanistan, warning that entire region of Central Asian is facing a risk due to the conflict. On 18 August 2021, he instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attempt to provide a maximum assistance in returning ethnic Kazakhs residing in Afghanistan, while noting that the issue of accepting Afghan refugees would not be considered.

Russia

See also: Kazakhstan–Russia relations

Tokayev and Putin in the Kremlin, 4 April 2019

According to political analyst Rico Isaacs, the decision in Tokayev replacing Nursultan Nazarbayev was due to his own full will to not rapidly implement democratic reforms, which would hurt Nazarbayev's legacy of stability and relations with Russia. Just two weeks after taking office, Tokayev visited Moscow in his first foreign state visit on 4 April 2019, meeting with Putin alongside other Russian officials. During the visit, Putin offered Russian assistance to Tokayev in the construction of a proposed nuclear power plant in the country. In June 2019, Tokayev stated that the decision of constructing a nuclear power plants would be made on decision by local matter, if by means of a referendum.

In late 2020, Russian lawmakers Vyacheslav Nikonov and Yevgeny Fyodorov made remarks on how the entire Kazakhstani territory was a gift given by the Soviet Union and that was currently being leased by Russia. This sparked backlash from the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs which warned about severing relations between both nations due to "provocative attacks". In response to controversial statements, Tokayev in response on Egemen Qazaqstan, wrote that such words from "some foreign citizens" are aimed at "spoiling" relations between two states, insisting that "nobody from outside gave Kazakhs this large territory as a gift."

China

See also: China–Kazakhstan relations

Tokayev made a state visit to China in September 2019. There, he met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing of which both leaders agreed to form a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. Tokayev vowed to triple wheat exports to China to 2 million tonnes possibly including salt, dairy products, meat and poultry as well. During a visit to Peking University, he met with his long-term intern language teacher Liu Shiqing as well as Kazakhstani students. Shiqing described Tokayev as "sociable, active, quick" who became fluent in Chinese and as "one of the best students."

Former Soviet republics

See also: Commonwealth of Independent States, Armenia–Kazakhstan relations, Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan relations, Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan relations, and Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan relations

On 14 April 2019, Tokayev visited neighboring Uzbekistan for talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. On 16–17 May, Tokayev hosted foreign leaders such as Armen Sarkissian and Mamuka Bakhtadze in the capital for the 12th annual Astana Economic Forum, the first to be hosted by its pioneer, President Nazarbayev. He also hosted the regional leaders of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Tajikistan, Armenia and Moldova for the Eurasian Economic Union and Supreme Eurasian Economic Council summit on 29 May.

During a visit to Kyrgyzstan in late 2019, he visited the House-Museum of Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov in Bishkek, where he met with the late writer's wife and reminisced about his first encounters with Aitmatov in Beijing in 1989.

Following the breakout of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Tokayev called on Armenia to withdraw from the disputed territory, citing the United Nations Security Council accordance to which he claimed that the Armenian government failed to fulfill for its past 30 years.

United States

See also: Kazakhstan–United States relations

After becoming president, Tokayev maintained strong relations with Kazakhstan's strategic allies, including the United States. On 2 February 2020, he met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his visit to Astana where both sides expressed the importance of deepening bilateral ties across the entire spectrum of cooperation, including trade, investment, IT technologies, promoting democratic values and combating international terrorism. Pompeo wished for Tokayev in his success in implementing political reforms with an open skies agreement being signed which created a legal basis for launching direct regular flights between Kazakhstan and U.S. According to some analysists, Pompeo's visit to Kazakhstan was seen as an attempt to counter China's influence within the country as he had met with ethnic Kazakh families of whom were victims of the Xinjiang internment camps and urged for Tokayev to pressure China over its persecution of ethnic Uyghur and Kazakhs.

In June 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated President Tokayev on his one-year anniversary of presidency. In his congratulatory letter, Trump expressed his support for the reforms that had been undertaken in Kazakhstan and reaffirmed his intention to further develop strategic partnership between the two countries.

2022 unrest and consolidation of power

See also: 2022 Kazakh unrest

President's Residence after being stormed by protesters during the unrest in Almaty,

In January 2022, protests erupted in Zhanaozen, Mangystau Region, following a sudden increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices. In response to the sharp rise, Tokayev introduced price controls on LPG, diesel, gasoline, and essential goods in an effort to stabilize the situation and address public concerns. However, the protests quickly escalated into large-scale nationwide civil unrest, driven by grievances over economic inequality, corruption, and political stagnation under Tokayev's administration and the long rule of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev.

On 5 January 2022, Tokayev declared a state of emergency, imposed a curfew, and authorized security forces to use deadly force against demonstrators, stating they would "shoot to kill, without warning." He labeled the protesters as "bandits and terrorists" and accused them of attempting to destabilize the country as part of an alleged coup d'état attempt orchestrated by "foreign-trained militants". That same day, he dismissed Prime Minister Asqar Mamin and assumed control of the Security Council, removing Nazarbayev from his long-held position as chairman. He also replaced National Security Committee (NSC) chairman Karim Massimov with Ermek Sagimbayev. To restore order, Tokayev requested military assistance from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), marking the first deployment of CSTO forces in a member state as part of a peacekeeping operation. Later, Massimov was arrested on charges of high treason.

The aftermath of the unrest resulted in significant mass detentions, civilian casualties and property damage, prompting Tokayev in an address given to the Parliament on 11 January 2022 to initiate sweeping political and economic reforms, which included a focus on economic justice, political decentralization, anti-corruption measures, and enhanced security. As part of this shift policy, several of Nazarbayev’s close relatives lost key positions. On 15 January, the sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna announced the resignations of Qairat Sharipbaev as CEO of QazaqGaz and Dimash Dosanov as head of KazTransOil, both sons-in-law of Nazarbayev. On 17 January, Timur Kulibayev, Nazarbayev’s son-in-law and one of Kazakhstan’s wealthiest individuals, resigned as chairman of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. That same day, Tokayev dismissed Nazarbayev’s nephew, Samat Abish, from his role as deputy chairman of the NSC. This marked a move in Tokayev's consolidation of power and his shift toward greater political independence from Nazarbayev’s influence, setting the stage for a reshaped political hierarchy in Kazakhstan.

First Smaiylov government

See also: First Smaiylov Government

Amidst the 2022 unrest, Tokayev dismissed the government of Asqar Mamin and appointed Älihan Smaiylov as acting prime minister on 5 January 2022. Smaiylov, a technocrat who had previously served as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance under Mamin, was confirmed as Prime Minister on 11 January 2022 following unanimous parliamentary approval by the Mäjilis.

Tokayev endorsed his nomination, citing Smaiylov’s economic expertise and governance experience as essential for ensuring stability and implementing reforms in the aftermath of the unrest. Smaiylov's appointment during a period of post-turmoil marked a political transition, with his cabinet comprising a mix of established officials and new ministers, maintaining continuity while implementing Tokayev’s reform agenda. The reliance on existing bureaucratic structures largely suggested that systemic changes under Tokayev would be gradual.

Amanat chairmanship

Main article: 21st Nur Otan Extraordinary Congress

On 28 January 2022, at the 21st Nur Otan Extraordinary Congress, Tokayev was unanimously elected as chairman of the Nur Otan party, succeeding Nursultan Nazarbayev, who had held the position since 1999. Tokayev’s election as chairman came with Nazarbayev’s endorsement. In his congress speech, Tokayev outlined key priorities for the party, including strengthening societal unity, focusing on ideological activities, rebooting the party faction in the Majilis, addressing socio-economic issues, improving public receptions, and leading the fight against corruption, while acknowledging the responsibility of leading the party and suggesting he may step down by the end of the year after a temporary period, citing the need for presidential impartiality in political matters.

Under Tokayev's tenure as Nur Otan chairman, several notable events followed, including the resignation of Nurlan Nigmatullin, who had chaired the Mäjilis since 2016, on 1 February 2022, with his replacement by Erlan Qoşanov, Tokayev's former chief of staff and head of the Presidential Administration. Additionally, on 25 February 2022, Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva, also resigned from her deputy seat.

At the 22nd Nur Otan Ordinary Congress held on 1 March 2022, Tokayev supported Qoşanov's proposal to rename the Nur Otan party name to Amanat. At the congress, Tokayev emphasized decentralizing the party, improving voter engagement, addressing "real issues" instead of populism, launching a citizen proposal campaign, and strengthening Kazakhstan's stability amid global challenges. A notable development during the congress was Nigmatullin's removal from the Amanat's political council, following his previous resignation as chairman of the Mäjilis.

On 26 April 2022, at the 23rd Amanat Ordinary Congress, Tokayev resigned as party chairman and withdrew from Amanat membership to serve as an independent, emphasizing the need for presidential nonpartisanship, separation of powers, and pluralism. From there, he endorsed Erlan Qoşanov to take over party leadership, and the delegates unanimously approved the proposal.

Constitutional reforms

See also: New Kazakhstan and 2022 Kazakh constitutional referendum

On 16 March 2022, Tokayev unveiled his concept of New Kazakhstan and proposed package of constitutional reforms to reduce presidential powers and strengthen parliament, transitioning from a "superpresidential" system to a "presidential republic with a strong parliament". The reforms amended 33 out of 99 articles—one-third of the Kazakh Constitution—introducing measures such as barring the president from party membership, prohibiting relatives from holding top government positions, and limiting presidential control over appointing regional governors (akims) by requiring regional assemblies (maslihats) to approve akim nominees.

Other key changes included reducing presidentially appointed seats in the Senate, introducing a mixed electoral system, restoring the Constitutional Court, and removing Nursultan Nazarbayev’s constitutional title of "Elbasy" (Leader of the Nation). The reforms also led to the creation of three administrative-territorial units—Ulytau, Jetisu, and Abai Region—by presidential decree on 4 May 2022. A referendum on 5 June 2022 approved these amendments with a majority of voters. The constitutional amendments were later signed into law by Tokayev on 5 November 2022. On 15 February 2023, Tokayev signed a law repealing Elbasy status, formally ending Nazarbayev’s status as Leader of the Nation.

On 14 June 2022, Tokayev signed a decree establishing the National Kurultai, a new civic institution designed to have broader and more relevant functions than its predecessor, the National Council of Public Trust. The first meeting of the National Kurultai took place on 16 June in Ulytau Region.

In September 2022, Tokayev introduced nonrenewable seven-year presidential term and renamed the capital back to Astana from Nur-Sultan.

2022 snap presidential election

See also: 2022 Kazakh presidential election and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev 2022 presidential campaign

On 1 September 2022, during his State of the Nation Address, Tokayev announced snap presidential elections, citing the need for a new mandate of trust from the people and officially declared his bid for re-election. He later signed a decree on 21 September, officially scheduling the election for 20 November. Tokayev pledged that the election would serve as a radical reset of Kazakhstan’s political system and assured that it would be conducted fairly and transparently, with the participation of domestic and international observers.

In his bid for presidency an independent, Tokayev expressed his interest in being nominated by "a broad coalition of socio-political forces," highlighting the significant increase in citizen support for the reforms he had implemented and planned over the past three and a half years. On 6 October 2022, a People's Coalition (HK) consisting of the parliamentary parties of Amanat, Aq Jol, and People's, as well as several public associations was formed in support of Tokayev's candidacy. During the forum, the HK nominated Tokayev as their presidential candidate, stating that the election would shape Kazakhstan's future. Tokayev praised the coalition's wide support and reaffirmed his commitment to staying politically neutral.

Tokayev's campaign programme, Fair State – Fair Economy – Fair Society (Kazakh: Әділетті мемлекет – Әділетті экономика – Әділетті қоғам), focused on political reforms, economic development, and social investments. He pledged to strengthen governance, reduce state interference in the economy, support rural and digital development, and improve education, healthcare, and environmental protection to build a Fair Kazakhstan.

On 20 November 2022, Tokayev was re-elected as president in an electoral landslide, winning 81.3% of the vote in the first round, with little serious opposition. The presidential election featured an "against all" option, which received 6% of the vote share, and saw a historically low voter turnout of 69%. Most of Tokayev's challengers were viewed as "pocket candidates" with low recognition and limited support. While the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe praised the election's preparation, it criticized the lack of real competition and called for legal reforms to ensure greater political pluralism.

Presidency since 2022

2023 snap legislative election

See also: 2023 Kazakh legislative election

Second Smaiylov government

See also: Second Smaiylov Government

Bektenov government

See also: Bektenov Government

Domestic policy

Tokayev's domestic policy, emphasized economic modernization, anti-corruption measures, and strengthening governance, with a focus on national security and decentralization. He highlights reducing inequality, promoting political accountability, fair wealth distribution, and creating job opportunities for youth, alongside reforms in education and technological innovation with an aim to foster a more inclusive society, national unity, and social stability.

In June 2024, Tokayev announced that a referendum on whether or not a nuclear power plant should be built in Kazakhstan would be held in the autumn of 2024.

Foreign policy

Main article: List of international presidential trips made by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Map of the international presidential trips made by Tokayev

Tokayev with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on 24 August 2022

Tokayev has pledged to continue the foreign policy initiated by Nursultan Nazarbayev, maintaining Kazakhstan's multi-vector approach. This strategy balances relations with global powers, including allied relations with Russia, an eternal strategic partnership with China, and a strategic partnership with the United States, while prioritizing regional cooperation and expanding ties with Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Tokayev emphasizes Kazakhstan's neutrality, sovereignty, and commitment to international law, actively participating in organizations like the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Eurasian Economic Union, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Since 2022, he has reinforced Kazakhstan’s independent foreign policy, focusing on economic diplomacy, security, and regional stability amidst global tensions.

During the October 2022 Council of Heads of State of the CIS summit in Astana, Tokayev proposed the creation of an International Organisation for the Russian Language (IORL) to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties among CIS countries, using the Russian language to foster regional cooperation and intercultural dialogue. On 12 October 2023, Tokayev approved a draft treaty for the creation of the IORL, which was later ratified by the Parliament on 20 November 2024.

In September 2023, Tokayev emphasized the need for a new global movement for peace, highlighting Kazakhstan’s role in the Astana Process for Syria and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions as key platforms for fostering inter-civilizational dialogue. Writing in The Jerusalem Post, he stressed the role of religious leaders in promoting global stability, healing conflicts, and countering extremism. Tokayev called for diplomacy to address global crises and warned against the risks of a new arms race, nuclear threats, and escalating geopolitical rivalries reminiscent of the Cold War.

Russia

See also: Kazakhstan–Russia relations

Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin on 19 August 2022

After Russia invaded its neighboring Ukraine, Tokayev and Kazakh foreign minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi refused to recognize the Russian puppet states of Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. He said that "we recognize neither Taiwan, nor Kosovo, nor South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In all likelihood, this principle will be applied to quasi-state entities, which, in our opinion, are Luhansk and Donetsk." He refused to accept the Order of Alexander Nevsky from Putin.

Tokayev and other post-Soviet leaders with Vladimir Putin at the 2023 Moscow Victory Day Parade

Tokayev also emphasized that Kazakhstan would comply with Western sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, and that the country "will abide by the restrictions imposed on Russia and Belarus." In September 2022, Kazakhstan closed a loophole through which Russian and Belarusian trucks were able to import goods from the European Union into the country without the necessary paperwork.

Following Tokayev’s electoral victory in November 2022, international observers expect him to maintain Kazakhstan's pivot towards the EU and China, and away from Russia.

In September 2022, Tokayev said that Kazakhstan would help Russians fleeing the mobilization and war in Ukraine, saying that "most of them are forced to leave because of the current hopeless situation." However, in December 2022, Kazakhstan deported back to Russia a Russian citizen who fled mobilization. In January 2023, Kazakhstan announced they were tightening visa rules, a move that is expected to make it more difficult for Russians to remain in the country.

On 9 May 2023, he attended the Victory Day parade in Moscow and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

China

See also: China–Kazakhstan relations

Tokayev embraces ties with China, which as of 2024 is Kazakhstan's most important trading partner and foreign investor.

United States

Tokayev with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, 28 February 2023

In a June 2022 interview with Bloomberg at the Qatar Economic Forum, Tokayev expressed his desire for a "friendly and predictable" relationship with the United States.

During his September 2022 visit to New York City, Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan's desire to deepen economic and business ties with the US, highlighting opportunities in energy, agriculture, and IT, and reaffirming the country's commitment to fostering long-term strategic partnerships.

On 28 February 2023, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Tokayev, where Tokayev thanked the United States for its continued support of Kazakhstan's territorial integrity, especially following the 2022 unrest. Blinken praised Tokayev's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and political reforms. The visit was viewed to be aimed to strengthen ties and further US interests in Central Asia.

In August 2023, Tokayev met with US Senator Gary Peters in Akorda, reaffirming the US as Kazakhstan's strategic partner in strengthening global security, nuclear non-proliferation, and promoting diplomatic values. Tokayev emphasized the need to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

On 19 September 2023, during the first-ever US presidential hosted C5+1 diplomatic summit, Tokayev met with President Joe Biden where he emphasized the importance of the United States confirming its security guarantees for Central Asia, particularly in supporting the region's nuclear-free status. He stressed that such a commitment would help solidify Central Asia's nuclear-free stance and contribute to global efforts to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation.

Political positions

Tokayev is described as a "moderate conservative" with years of political experience domestically and internationally. Nevertheless, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Tokayev referred himself as a "reformer", stressing that without political reforms, there wouldn't be progress in economic reforms.

According to The Diplomat, Tokayev's political capital was seen to not extend beyond the support by Nazarbayev, which enabled him to garner support and trust from business elites, civil servants, and political institutions. Because of that, Tokayev has been described as "Nazarbayev's political birthchild", while his opponents and critics referred him as "furniture" (Russian: мебель, mebel), a ridicule term first coined by exiled Kazakh businessman Mukhtar Ablyazov in 2019.

Authoritarianism

Tokayev expressed his point of view on the political system of Kazakhstan in which he favoured a "strong President, authoritative Parliament, accountable Government."

In 2005, at the business conference of the Asian Society held in Almaty, Tokayev clashed with George Soros after his remarks about Kazakhstan sliding towards authoritarianism, calling it "unreasonable to demand from a country that recently celebrated its 13th anniversary to achieve the democratic values inherent in states with centuries-old traditions of building a free society."

Climate change

See also: Climate change in Kazakhstan

Tokayev expressed support for the tackling of climate change, calling it "urgent and existential." At the Climate Ambitions Summit in which was held remotely on 12 December 2020, Tokayev pledged for Kazakhstan to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 with a development and adoption of a long-term development strategy to lower emissions and de-carbonisation of the economy. He said that Kazakhstan is "highly vulnerable to climate change as a landlocked and developing state" with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels and proposed for the planting for two billion trees within the country in order increase carbon absorption and curb looming desertification problems.

Corruption

See also: Corruption in Kazakhstan

Tokayev described his vision regarding corruption, calling it a "direct damage to national security" and advocated for the need of accountability for implementation of state programs and the use of budget funds by äkıms. On 28 November 2019, he signed the "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Civil Service and Anti-Corruption Issues" law into place, which obliged government ministers and äkıms to resign if the top officials within institutions are found guilty of corruption.

Islam

In the aftermath of the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting event, Tokayev proclaimed the incident as a "signature dish", calling it "another manifestation of Islamic radicalism."

At the Forum of Muslim Scientists of Eurasia which was held in Astana in March 2018, Tokayev addressed the audience the need for the country to have "enlightened Islam" by strengthening science and cultural traditions in the Islamic civilization.

Relations with EU

As a foreign minister, Tokayev visited Berlin, Germany on 3–4 October 2006, where he addressed the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee on 3 October in an attempt to gain support amongst members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for Kazakhstan's bid to lead the organisation in 2009. In his address he discussed the "fierce" competition between the European Union, China, and India to secure energy sources, saying that Kazakhstan is "one of the very few countries capable of boosting its oil production and thus becoming an important alternative energy supplier to global and European markets." He expressed interest in the Burgas-Alexandroupoli and Odesa-Brody-Gdansk pipeline projects, asking the EU for $80 billion in investment from 2006 to 2021. Tokayev criticised Lithuania for opposing a Russian offer for its Mažeikių oil refinery. He also reaffirmed Kazakhstan's desire to join the European Neighbourhood Policy. Tokayev also rejected the proposed construction of the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline to Azerbaijan, in which the EU officials desired due to the likelihood of opposition from other nations bordering the Caspian Sea. Gernot Erler, an official in the German Federal Foreign Office, announced his support for Kazakhstan leading the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for 2009. Portuguese Socialist MP Ana Gomes said to Tokayev, "Minister, you're bidding for the presidency of the OSCE. Yet, the OSCE gave a report on your last elections, on the observation of the elections, which said they failed to meet international standards for genuine elections in many important points. And we hear about political dissent being crushed, we hear even about religious groups being crushed." Tokayev replied that political opposition forces in Kazakhstan "cannot challenge the government" because of their own weaknesses, and that Kazakhstanis need to be "educated" about democracy because the concept is foreign, and the government considers religious tolerance a priority. He criticized the OSCE's election report for "technical irregularities" and biased targeting while calling for more of a "mutual understanding." He further stated that his government believes it would "contribute a lot as a representative, as a country which is located in Central Asia. The geographical dimension of the OSCE has changed [since Kazakhstan joined], this is a unique Eurasian, as well as Pan-American organization. So, the leadership, the presidency of this organization also must reflect this unique character, [this] unique dimension of the organization." He cited efforts to reform Kazakhstan's election process that included a "special program" to modernize the system and establishing "party dominance" in the Parliament so that "parties [that] win the parliamentary elections, obtain [a] majority in the parliament" and "will be able to establish their own governments." He called creating a multi-party system in Kazakhstan a "huge step forward in the process of democratization."

Relations with United States

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with Tokayev, 25 September 2006

Tokayev met with United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Barry Lowenkron, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, on 25 September 2006 in Rice's suite at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. According to Anne Gearan, a diplomatic writer for the Associated Press, the U.S. wanted to improve its relations with Kazakhstan. Kazakh oil output was expected to significantly increase, along with other Central Asian countries whom were "more authoritarian, too unstable, too poor, or a combination of all three." Prior to her meeting with Tokayev, when Rice was asked whether human rights or energy "would top the agenda" for the meeting with Tokayev, she refused to answer. The United States State Department released a statement saying the diplomats discussed Kazakhstan's cooperation in Afghanistan and Iraq and expressed hope for "a multidimensional relationship with Kazakhstan, which includes U.S. encouragement for continuing reforms."

Jordan

On February 19, 2025, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan in Astana. During their discussions, both leaders agreed to expand mutual investments and enhance trade relations between their countries. President Tokayev congratulated King Abdullah II on the 25th anniversary of his reign, commending his efforts in promoting sustainable growth and elevating Jordan's international standing.

His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan meeting with President Tokayev of Kazakhstan

This meeting followed President Tokayev's official visit to Jordan from February 18 to 19, 2025, at the invitation of King Abdullah II. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation in trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian sectors. The meeting commenced with President Tokayev extending his congratulations to Abdullah II of Jordan on the occasion of the 25th year of the latter’s reign, wishing him continued success in creative initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity of the people of Jordan and increasing the authority of the country on the global scene.

The Kazakh President expressed gratitude to the Jordanian leader for his contribution to enhancing friendship and cooperation ties between the two nations.

Russian language

As president, Tokayev encouraged the Kazakhstani public to learn Kazakh, calling it a "duty of every citizen of Kazakhstan". At the same time, he believed that strengthening the role of the Kazakh language shouldn't infringe on the Russian language, warning that improper handling of the issue would lead to "irreparable consequences" in which he compared to Ukraine that faced interethnic conflicts.

During the 2021 State of the Nation Address, Tokayev noted that Russian is an official language within Kazakhstan, adding that its use can't be hindered in accordance to the law and from there, he obliged to punish to any person taking part in discriminating on the basis of "linguistic and national grounds", a move that was viewed to have occurred in result of a backlash by Russian officials after a viral incident on YouTube showing Kostanay native Quat Ahmetov visiting places and forcing employees to speak Kazakh which led to a series of criminal cases by security agencies and Ahmetov fleeing the country.

Nationalism

In a written article for The Astana Times, Tokayev warned against nationalism becoming "a resurgent and dominant global phenomenon", upon which he cited Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 United States presidential election, suggesting it would result in a strong impact on world politics, as well as on the domestic situation in many nations including European nations.

Tokayev expressed a negative attitude towards nationalism which he claimed to have gained traction in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, criticising the ideology for provoking conflict between nations that would result in economic losses for Kazakhstan.

Honors

Kazakh

• Order of the Golden Eagle (2019)
• Order of Otan (2014)
• Order of Nazarbayev (2004)
• Order of Parasat (1996)
• Astana Medal
• Medal "25 years of independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan"
• Medal "10 years of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan"
• Medal "10 years to the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan"
• Medal "10 years of Astana" (2018)

Foreign

• Order of Honour (Russia, 2017)
• Order of Friendship (Russia, 2004)
• Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, III Degree (Ukraine, 2008)
• Commonwealth Order (Commonwealth of Independent States, 2007)
• Order of the Serbian Flag, 1st Class (2016)
• Jubilee Medal "20 Years of the Federation Council"
• Tree of Friendship Medal (CIS, 2003)
• CIS Diploma
• Bitaraplyk Order (Turkmenistan, 2021)
• Jubilee Medal "300 Years Magtymguly Pyragy" (Turkmenistan, 2024)

Other

• Full member of the World Academy of Humanities and Natural Sciences, member of the "Council of Wise Men" of the Munich Security Conference.
• Honorary Professor of Shenzhen University.
• Honorary Professor and Honorary Doctor of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as well as a member of its board of trustees.
• Honorary President of the Kazakhstan Council on International Relations.
• Diploma of the "Academicus" of the University of Geneva.
• S. N. Roerich Memorial Medal.
• According to the Russian Biographical Society, he entered the list of laureates of the "Person of the Year — 2018".
• Ranked among The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the annual edition of The Muslim 500.

Personal life

Now divorced, Tokayev was married to Nadezhda Tokayeva, with whom he had one son. His son Timur (born in 1984) is an oil entrepreneur who currently resides in Geneva, Switzerland. His brother-in-law Temirtai Izbastin (married to Tokayev's sister Karlygash Izbastina) is currently Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Bulgaria. Tokayev is a polyglot, fluent in Kazakh, Russian, English, Chinese and French.

He was President of the Table Tennis Federation of Kazakhstan for 13 years.

He has made it a point not to mark his birthday with celebrations, with his press secretary saying in 2020 that he "does not like to celebrate this day because his family has never celebrated the birthdays of either the children or parents".

See also

• Government of Kazakhstan
• Parliament of Kazakhstan
• Politics of Kazakhstan
• Tokayev Cabinet

External links

• Media related to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at Wikimedia Commons
• Quotations related to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at Wikiquote