Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev

Early life and education

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. 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 the 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)

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. He cautioned against introducing legislation on land privatization too early. 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.

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.

On 28 January 2002, Tokayev resigned as prime minister, citing the centralization of power under the strong presidential system as the reason for 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)

As a minister of foreign affairs, Tokayev played an active role in 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)

On 11 January 2007, Tokayev was appointed as a deputy of the Senate of Kazakhstan by Nursultan Nazarbayev. He was elected as Chairman of the Senate by the Senate deputies.

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 an interview with BBC News in June 2018, Tokayev hinted at the possibility of 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

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 hub for the UN's international diplomatic and humanitarian work, citing his experience at senior government levels, his knowledge of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) and his management expertise. With this appointment, Tokayev was 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 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 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

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.

During his first weeks in office, Tokayev took 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.

On 9 April 2019, Tokayev signed a decree scheduling snap presidential elections to be held on 9 June. He pledged electoral transparency and emphasized that Kazakhstan is a democratic state, asserting that a president should be elected according to the "will of the people" to eliminate political uncertainty.

Tokayev became a presidential candidate after being nominated by the ruling Nur Otan party on 23 April 2019, with the endorsement of party chairman and former president Nursultan Nazarbayev. His campaign focused on continuing existing policies, ensuring justice, and promoting progress. A key part of his platform was maintaining Nazarbayev's legacy, which Tokayev cited as his reason for running. During the campaign, Tokayev was mocked on social media for using photo manipulation software to remove wrinkles and his double chin from official photos.

On 9 June 2019, Tokayev was elected president of Kazakhstan with 71% of the popular vote in the first round. His victory was acknowledged by several foreign leaders, including Xi Jinping, Ilham Aliyev, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Emomali Rahmon, and Sooronbay Jeenbekov. However, the election was marked by protests, with security forces detaining thousands of demonstrators in major cities such as Nur-Sultan and Almaty. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) criticized the election, stating that it lacked genuine pluralism and was marred by irregularities, including ballot stuffing and restrictions on freedom of assembly.

Early years

After being elected in the 2019 Kazakh presidential 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 has served a 14-year prison sentence since 2009.

2022 unrest and consolidation of power

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 in 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.

Presidency since 2022

Tokayev was inaugurated at the Palace of Independence in Astana on 26 November 2022. In his inaugural address, Tokayev reaffirmed his commitment to implementing comprehensive political reforms aimed at establishing a Fair Kazakhstan, grounded in the principles of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.

Following the inauguration, Tokayev signed a series of significant decrees, including the appointment of the Senate election date for 14 January 2023, the initiation of a state program for rural development covering the period 2023–2027, measures for the return of illegally exported national assets, and reforms of the Supreme Audit Chamber to enhance governmental transparency and accountability. Tokayev also approved an action plan for the implementation of his 2022 electoral program to ensure the continuation and consolidation of constitutional and institutional reforms throughout his term of office.

On 15 February 2023, Tokayev signed a law officially repealing the "Law on the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy", formally ending Nursultan Nazarbayev's constitutional title as Leader of the Nation. The law also removed special privileges for him and his family, including lifetime immunity from prosecution. This action followed a ruling by the newly re-established Constitutional Court, which found the law inconsistent with constitutional amendments approved by the nation.

On 2 September 2024, Tokayev delivered his annual State of the Nation Address, outlining priorities for Kazakhstan's economic, political, and social future. The speech emphasized critical areas such as addressing the budget deficit, strengthening governance, and improving living standards.

On 19 January 2023, Tokayev signed a decree dissolving the 7th Parliament of Kazakhstan and announced early legislative elections for the lower house Mäjilis on 19 March 2023. This move was part of his broader political modernization agenda following constitutional reforms initiated in 2022. In a public statement, Tokayev expressed hope that the new composition of deputies would contribute to the comprehensive modernization of Kazakhstan, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

The 2023 legislative elections used a mixed electoral system for the first time since 2004, with 70% of seats from party lists and 30% from single-member districts, reflecting recent constitutional reforms. The ruling Amanat party retained a majority control of Mäjilis amid participation from six parties and independent candidates. Despite increased pluralism, pro-government factions remained dominant, and some electoral irregularities were reported. Overall, the elections demonstrated Tokayev's approach of controlled political modernization while maintaining presidential influence.

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 to foster a more inclusive society, national unity, and social stability.

Tokayev has placed strong emphasis on reducing Kazakhstan's reliance on raw materials by promoting the development of a diversified industrial base. In his State of the Nation Address in September 2023, he called for the accelerated growth of manufacturing clusters, including metals, heavy machinery, uranium processing, automotive parts, and fertilizers, with three-year tax exemptions offered to investors. He also set a target for processed agricultural products to represent 70 percent of total agricultural output within three years.

The government has aimed to attract up to US $150 billion in foreign investment and introduced banking reforms to encourage prudent business lending. In 2024, Kazakhstan attracted US $15.7 billion in foreign direct investment, marking the highest level in North and Central Asia. In 2025, the country reaffirmed its position as a reform-oriented investment destination, focusing on sectors such as mining, logistics, digital infrastructure, and sustainability.

Governance reforms have targeted demonopolization, the recovery of illegally privatized assets, and greater transparency. Major state-owned enterprises have begun privatization through public offerings. Support measures for small and medium enterprises, modernization of tax legislation, and reduction of state dominance in the economy have also been pursued.

Tokayev stressed macroeconomic stability and set a goal to double Kazakhstan's GDP by 2029. In July 2024, he approved the National Development Plan focusing on quality growth, innovation, and well-being. The plan aims to raise the national GDP to $450 billion, increase growth to 6.7%, and improve life expectancy to 77 years, positioning Kazakhstan as a high-income country.

Tokayev has led major initiatives to modernize Kazakhstan's energy sector and infrastructure. In response to the 2022 energy crisis, Tokayev signed a decree launching a national energy efficiency program aimed at reducing energy waste, modernizing power plants, and improving grid resilience. In 2024, the Kazakh government under Tokayev's initiative launched a comprehensive national infrastructure plan valued at 40 trillion tenge, covering energy, transportation, water management, and digital technologies. This plan aims to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a Eurasian transit hub, including expanded capacity on the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline. He approved a five-year National Project for the Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors in December 2024 to upgrade infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and attract investment.

Foreign policy

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, 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.

Tokayev has 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.

Kazakhstan opted not to submit a formal application for BRICS membership in October 2024, citing the complex multi-stage process and uncertainties regarding the association's future development. Despite this, Kazakhstan accepted an invitation to become a BRICS partner state, effective 1 January 2025, allowing for closer cooperation without full membership. In an interview with Al Jazeera English, Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan chose to remain an observer and partner state in BRICS, citing the group's lack of permanent structures and uncertain long-term effectiveness as reasons for not pursuing full membership.

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 view on Kazakhstan's political system, in which he favored 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

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 the planting of two billion trees within the country in order to increase carbon absorption and curb looming desertification problems.

Corruption

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

At the Forum of Muslim Scientists of Eurasia, which was held in Astana in March 2018, Tokayev addressed the audience on 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], saying it is now a unique Eurasian, as well as Pan-American, organization. So, the leadership, the presidency of this organization must also 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 the United States

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, which were "more authoritarian, too unstable, too poor, or a combination of all three." Before she met with Tokayev, Rice was asked whether human rights or energy "would top the agenda" for the meeting with Tokayev, but he 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."

Middle Eastern affairs

On 19 February 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.

This meeting followed President Tokayev's official visit to Jordan from 18 to 19 February 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 Kazakh 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 cannot be hindered in accordance with the law. He promised to punish any person who discriminates based on "linguistic and national grounds", a move that was viewed to have occurred as a 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.

LGBTQ rights

Tokayev has expressed a conservative stance on LGBTQ. In February 2024, he signed a law preventing LGBTQ individuals from adopting or mentoring orphans.

In 2025, Tokayev criticized the promotion of LGBTQ rights by international organizations, accusing them of interfering in sovereign nations' affairs under the guise of advancing democratic values, while masking financial corruption.

In the same year, Parliament of Kazakhstan proposed legislation that would ban "LGBT propaganda" and mirrored the 2013 Russian anti-LGBTQ law. Despite concerns by several human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, the draft law was approved by the Mäjilis in November 2025. It officially plans to ban "information containing propaganda of pedophilia and/or non-traditional sexual orientation in public spaces, as well as in the media".

Nationalism

Tokayev has adopted a nuanced stance on nationalism. Early in his presidency, he voiced disquiet at the prospect of nationalism becoming a dominant global force, an anxiety sharpened by the 2016 United States presidential election and the emergence of leaders such as Donald Trump. He criticised nationalism for heightening tensions between states, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and warned that it risked undermining international cooperation and provoking conflict and economic damage, with particularly serious consequences for a country such as Kazakhstan.

More recently, however, Tokayev has acknowledged the growing relevance of state nationalism, viewing it as a moral response to the waning influence of globalism and as a key driver in the contest for global spheres of influence.

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)

Order of the State of the Republic of Turkey (2025)

Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (29 September 2025)

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. It is presumed that they divorced in March 2019, the time when the divorce was made official and Tokayev stopped wearing his wedding ring. 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.

Tokayev was president of the Table Tennis Federation of Kazakhstan for 13 years. In 2025, he was awarded a ninth-degree black belt in taekwondo by World Taekwondo president Chungwon Choue during the Kazakhstan Open in Astana, reflecting his long-standing interest in the sports.

Tokayev 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".

Books

Tokayev had authored some ten books as of 2024, mostly on the subject of international relations, including Overcoming about his diplomatic service published in 2003.