
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan November 1, 2023. Press service of the President of Kazakhstan/Handout via REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Kazakhstan, the first stop on his Central Asia tour, has drawn attention to a region traditionally considered within Russia’s sphere of influence. This renewed Western interest in Central Asia can be attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has prompted European nations to seek alternatives to Russian oil supplies and explore new trade routes that bypass Russia.
Kazakhstan, a nation blessed with abundant oil reserves, has emerged as a key player in this shifting landscape. It has swiftly become a reliable alternative source of crude for European nations looking to reduce their dependence on Russian oil. Furthermore, Kazakhstan plays a crucial role in the evolving China-Europe trade route that circumvents Russia.
During his meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Macron commended Kazakhstan for its refusal to align with Moscow on the issue of Ukraine. The two leaders signed several business agreements, including a declaration of intent for cooperation in the coveted domain of rare earths and rare metals.
Macron acknowledged the geopolitical pressures and challenges Kazakhstan faces, and he expressed his appreciation for the country’s commitment to pursuing an independent foreign policy and establishing balanced relations with various nations. In his words, “France values the path you are following for your country, refusing to be a vassal of any power and seeking to build numerous and balanced relations with different countries.”
The growing Western diplomatic engagement in Central Asian nations that were once part of the Soviet Union has raised concerns in Moscow. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized Kazakhstan’s sovereignty and its right to foster relationships with any nation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently accused the West of attempting to pull Russia’s “neighbours, friends, and allies” away from it.
Kazakhstan and its neighbor Uzbekistan, Macron’s next destination, have taken a principled stand by not recognizing Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories and by pledging to adhere to Western sanctions against Moscow. Simultaneously, they consider both Russia and Western nations, such as France, to be their strategic partners.
President Macron affirmed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and independence of their friends in an international landscape where major powers vie for hegemony, and regional powers exhibit unpredictability. In his words, “And in a world where major powers want to become hegemons, and where regional powers become unpredictable, it is good to have friends who share this philosophy.”
In response to Macron’s visit, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, reiterated Russia’s high regard for its relations with Kazakhstan. He underscored the historical ties and strategic partnership that exist between the two nations, emphasizing their unity of interests in various international forums.
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