Tokayev Removes Nazarbayev References from Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Concept
Political
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has approved amendments to the country’s Foreign Policy Concept for 2020–2030. The revised document removes direct references to former President Nursultan Nazarbayev and provisions that had formally reflected his special role in shaping the country’s foreign policy.
The original concept listed as a key principle the “continuity of the foreign policy course of the First President – Elbasy N.A. Nazarbayev at a new stage of the country’s development.” The wording has now been replaced with a reference to the “continuity of the foreign policy course at a new stage of the country’s development.” The original version explicitly named Nazarbayev.
The amendments also remove a provision granting Nazarbayev a lifelong right to address the people, state bodies and officials with initiatives on key foreign-policy issues. The provision had previously been linked to his “historical mission” and the constitutional law on the First President — Elbasy.
The list of international platforms used to promote Kazakhstan’s foreign-policy initiatives has also been revised. The Astana Economic Forum, Eurasian Media Forum and Astana Club have been removed, while the Astana International Forum remains on the list.
The document also reflects changes to Kazakhstan’s institutional structure. The term “Parliament” has been replaced by “Kurultai,” which under the new system serves as the country’s legislative body. Official Kazakh documents adopted in 2026 already refer to the Kurultai in this capacity.
The decree entered into force on the day it was signed.
The amendments also remove a provision granting Nazarbayev a lifelong right to address the people, state bodies and officials with initiatives on key foreign-policy issues. The provision had previously been linked to his “historical mission” and the constitutional law on the First President — Elbasy.
The list of international platforms used to promote Kazakhstan’s foreign-policy initiatives has also been revised. The Astana Economic Forum, Eurasian Media Forum and Astana Club have been removed, while the Astana International Forum remains on the list.
The document also reflects changes to Kazakhstan’s institutional structure. The term “Parliament” has been replaced by “Kurultai,” which under the new system serves as the country’s legislative body. Official Kazakh documents adopted in 2026 already refer to the Kurultai in this capacity.
The decree entered into force on the day it was signed.
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