Tokayev officially sworn in as Kazakh President

An inauguration ceremony for Kassym-Jomart Tokayev who was recently re-elected for a second term as president has been held in Astana, Kazakhstan.

“Kazakhstan will continue to pursue a balance and constructive foreign policy aimed at protecting its national interests. We will prioritise issues of mutual cooperation and strategic partnership with neighbouring states: Russia, China, brotherly Central Asian states, and integration union partners,” Tokayev said.

Moreover, he noted that Kazakhstan would make every effort to develop multifaceted cooperation with the US, EU, countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Transcaucasia, as well as with any interested states. Kazakhstan also remains committed to international law and the UN Charter, Tokayev stressed.

“Kazakhs are a nation who are faithful to their traditions. When I was in sacred Mecca and was reciting the Quran at the Kaaba in memory of ancestors, I only asked Allah for one thing, prosperity for our country,” Tokayev completed his speech.

According to the final results, Tokayev won the elections with 81.31% of the votes. The turnour reached 69.44%.

On 1 September, Tokayev announced that snap presidential elections would be held in autumn and suggested limiting the presidential mandate to one term of seven years without the possibility of reelection. On 17 September, Tokayev signed a law, introducing amendments to the national constitution. The capital was renamed once again, from Nur-Sultan to Astana, while presidents can now only serve one seven-year term.