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BY KASSYM-JOMART TOKAYEV in EDITOR’S PICKS, INTERNATIONAL, OP-ED
7 FEBRUARY 2023

In an increasingly polarized world, Kazakhstan often plays the role of a bridge between East and West, North and South. This is a product of our unique history and geography. For centuries, Kazakhstan has been a meeting point between cultures, fostering not only diversity amongst our peoples, but a true spirit of mutual respect. That is why the value of global cooperation comes naturally to us. It is in this spirit that we have crafted our multi-vector foreign policy, which has served us well for many years.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

In the face of global challenges, we remain committed to global cooperation by championing dialogue, trade, multilateralism, and the exchange of ideas. We will continue to defend international law and to pursue constructive engagement with nations across the world. In this context, we have launched the Astana International Forum, a new international conference which will be a tool for rebuilding a culture of multilateralism on a global level. Most importantly, the Forum will also provide new means to amplify voices which are often minimized.

The Astana International Forum is unique because it offers a platform for global middle powers to discuss their views and positions on the issues of today, and to put forward their own solutions to these issues.

The first challenge we are to address at the forum is around foreign policy, security and sustainability. We all know that global peace and stability are currently under threat by tensions between major world powers. Meanwhile, other international issues, such as nuclear disarmament and the refugee crisis, continue to put pressures on shaky international systems and alliances. Moreover, the rise of nationalism and populist movements in many countries continue to complicate international relations, making it more difficult to find common ground on issues that require a coordinated global response, and we are facing an increased risk of turning to short-term unsustainable solutions to long-term problems. That is why it matters that we come together at the Forum – to help set us on the right direction to protect our collective future.

The second challenge which requires global coordination is climate change. Its consequences have a devastating impact on the planet, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity all taking a toll. At the same time, the world’s dependence on fossil fuels is making it increasingly difficult to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. On the other hand, we cannot overlook the critical role of the oil and gas industry in ensuring energy security and in the energy transition. The energy transition is a complex matter which must be approached with caution to ensure that the developing world is not left behind.

Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a sharp economic downturn globally, with many nations, businesses, and individuals struggling to stay afloat. In addition, rising income inequality and the ongoing trade tensions between major world powers are also causing instability in the global economy. The third challenge focuses on the economy and finance, highlighting the need for a coordinated global response to these economic, environmental, and security challenges.

While these challenges may seem daunting, they can also be seen as opportunities for global cooperation and progress. By working together, the international community can address these issues at the Astana International Forum and contribute to a more stable, equitable, and prosperous world for all.

I look forward to welcoming global leaders from both public and private sectors to the Astana International Forum this summer to identify actionable solutions to these challenges. Let us come together to find a new way forward through strong and inclusive global cooperation.

The author is Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Astana Times

07 February 2023

Former President of South Africa, H.E. Thabo Mbeki, will lead a team of Commonwealth election observers to Nigeria, which will be holding Africa’s largest democratic exercise later this month when it holds general elections on 25 February 2023.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, constituted the Commonwealth Observer Group following an invitation from Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission.

As of January 2023, an estimated 93.4 million registered voters will have the right to cast ballots for presidential and national assembly candidates in 176,846 polling units across 774 local government areas.

Peaceful governance
Announcing the group, the Commonwealth Secretary-General said:

“The Commonwealth remains a committed and reliable partner in Nigeria’s continuing journey towards peaceful democratic governance. Since 1999, we have observed all six general elections in Nigeria and the deployment of this observer group is a testament to the Commonwealth’s enduring support for the promotion of the culture, processes and institutions of democracy in Nigeria.

“In accordance with the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter, the work of the group seeks to promote transparency, strengthen democracy and the rule of law, and protect the right of the people of Nigeria to participate in credible, transparent and inclusive elections to shape their society.

“This month’s elections hold immense significance not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent and the wider democratic world. It is, therefore, essential that all stakeholders in Nigeria reaffirm their shared commitment to ensuring a peaceful election environment which is conducive to the free exercise of people’s franchise and in which fundamental freedoms and rights are respected.”

She also expressed her appreciation to President Mbeki for accepting her invitation to lead the group and to each observer for agreeing to undertake this important assignment on behalf of the Commonwealth.

Strengthening system

The mandate of the group, which is independent and impartial, is to observe the preparations for the election, the polling, counting and the results process, and the overall electoral environment. The observers will assess the conduct of the process as a whole and, where appropriate, make recommendations for the strengthening of the electoral system in Nigeria.

Before deployment to different parts of Nigeria, the group will also have briefings with the electoral authorities, political parties, law enforcement agencies, the media and civil society groups representing women, youth and people with disabilities.

Upon completion of its assignment, the group will submit its recommendations in a report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will forward it to the Government of Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the leadership of political parties taking part in the elections and all Commonwealth governments. The report will be made public afterwards.

Observer group

The Commonwealth Observer Group comprises 16 eminent persons from around the Commonwealth, including politicians, diplomats and experts in law, human rights, gender equality and election administration. The full team is listed below.

The observers will be in Nigeria from 18 February to 2 March 2023. They will be supported by a staff team from the Commonwealth Secretariat led by Joshua Setipa, Senior Director of the Strategy, Portfolio, Partnerships and Digital Division.

The Commonwealth Observer Group members, in alphabetical order by country name, are:

H.E. Thabo Mbeki (Chairperson), Former President, South Africa
Ian Browne, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Department, Barbados
Hon. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Botswana
Dr Andrew Knight, Distinguished Professor, Fulbright scholar and expert in terrorism and security, Canada
Tara Chetty, Human rights and gender expert, Fiji
Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director, Institute for Democratic Governance, Ghana
Dr Mohamed Chambas, Former United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Ghana
Hon. Amina Mohamed, Former Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Heritage and Culture, and former Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Kenya
Linda Bonyo, Legal and data analytics expert, Kenya
Seabata Motsamai, Chairperson, Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organizations, Lesotho
Rt. Hon. Martin Ngoga, Former Speaker, East African Legislative Assembly, Rwanda
Hon. Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, Former House Assembly Speaker, Former Minister for Women Affairs and Former Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Saint Lucia
Dr Gregory Mills, Director, Brenthurst Foundation, South Africa
Josephine Karungi, Journalist, Uganda
Dr Alex Vines, Director, Africa Programme, Chatham House, United Kingdom
Kryticous Nshindano, Former Chief Electoral Officer, Zambia Electoral Commission, Zambia
Notes to editors
1. Sign up to receive regular media alerts from the Commonwealth Observer Group, including the latest news, press conference invites and free-to-use photos.

2. A press conference with the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group, H.E. Thabo Mbeki, will be held in the week commencing 27 February in Abuja. Please e-mail us for further details.

3. Receive the latest announcements from the Commonwealth Observer Group to Nigeria, and download photos for usage, by visiting our event page.

Image: HE Thabo Mbeki delivering the Commonwealth Observer Group Interim Statement in Accra

7 February 2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the large-scale loss of life and extent of injuries inflicted by an earthquake that has affected the nations of Turkey and Syria.

At least 2 300 people have reportedly died in the two countries, which were struck by an earthquake on Monday.

“Our nation and government are deeply saddened by the unthinkable loss of life in Türkiye and Syria, and by the vast damage to social and economic infrastructure with which the two governments and populations are now confronted.

“Our hearts go out to families who have lost loved ones or are searching for relatives, and we wish injured survivors a full recovery,” the President said.

He expressed his appreciation to the South African humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, which is joining the international response in Turkey and Syria.

– SAnews.gov.za

7 February 2023

On February 6, 2023, two earthquakes caused enormous destruction. Currently, over 21 thousand of people have died and many thousands more are injured or missing. “It is the second biggest earthquake in the past century. The other one began in the south-east of Turkey in 1939.

The process of rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives will take many years. We know that many of those impacted are among the most vulnerable some are refugees who fled Syria for Turkey while others are persecuted minority groups or those in poverty. Recovering from this devastation will be very difficult.

We pray for the people of Türkiye and Syria. We mourn the death, destruction and pray for those who have died and those who grieve. We hold in our hearts those who are injured, and those who have lost loved ones, livelihoods, and homes.

We pray for those affected courage and resilience,
as they rebuild their lives and communities.

Inspire us to unite in solidarity, acting swiftly and generously, so that help may reach all who need it.

Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Department of International Relations and Cooperation, SA
T.C. Pretorya Büyükelçiliği – Turkish Embassy, Pretoria
Turkish Consulate General in Cape Town – T.C. Cape Town Başkonsolosluğu
Johannesburg Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – Turkish Cultural Centre – South Africa
Gift of the Givers

#turkey
#prayforturkey_syria

7 February 2022

On Jan 31 – Feb 3, South Africa hosted the first meeting of the BRICS Sherpas/Sous-Sherpas in 2023. The Russian delegation was headed by Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, BRICS Sous-Sherpa Pavel Knyazev.

During the meeting, South African partners showcased priorities for their 2023 BRICS chairmanship, such as strengthening multilateralism, reforming global governance institutions, post-pandemic economic recovery and sustainable development, including by unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, deepening cooperation for the purpose of just and equitable energy transition and combating climate change, as well as transformation of education and increasing the meaningful participation of women in peace processes. A thorough discussion of issues of institutional building in the BRICS format took place.

The Sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing work in key areas of the Five’s strategic partnership in the areas of politics and security, economics and finance, culture and humanitarian ties.

The Russian Side emphasized the importance of implementing the Integrated Early Response System to the Risks of Mass Infectious Diseases, establishing the Center for Industrial Competence on the basis of UNIDO, the Five’s Medical Association and a specialized journal, as well as strengthening cooperation in the field of nuclear medicine and sports.

Pics by BRICSza

Russian Embassy in the Republic of South Africa

#russia #russian #brics #southafrica #china #india #brazil #russiaafrica #brics2023

Op-ed by His Excellency Mahash Saeed Al Hameli, UAE Ambassador to South Africa

The global climate community will reconvene for its most significant meeting yet this November, with COP28 set to take place in Expo City Dubai. The summit will come at a vital time when the world seeks to evaluate progress made in implementing the Paris Agreement through the Global Stocktake.

Where the previous iteration of the event – COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh – saw momentum on the issue of losses and damages associated with climate change, COP28, the most significant multilateral event the UAE has ever hosted, will focus on reigniting momentum on mitigation and bringing the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees within reach. Key to this will be ensuring consensus on the global response to the Stocktake and building the necessary partnerships to drive climate ambition.

As part of its prioritization of mitigation, COP28 will aim to accelerate the energy transition, and work to reform land use and food systems.

#cop28
#COP28
#UAE

1 February 2023

FLON, in her capacity as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development OAFLAD, was humbled that the organisation was included in the fight against HIV. She said this at the launch of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030.

FLON underlined the remarkable work already done by First Ladies in this regard, through #OAFLAD’s continent-wide Free to Shine Campaign. She also pledged the support of #OAFLAD to the Dar Declaration, declaring, “There is no higher priority than this.”

“We all seek to translate political will into political action,” FLON said in closing. African First Ladies vowed to use their platforms to provide strong advocacy across the continent for women, adolescents and children living with and affected by HIV.

If you missed today’s launch of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, you can rewatch it here 🔗bit.ly/3Y0Qy0B

#endAIDS2030 #GlobalAlliance

1 February 2023

A group of South Africans who have been granted state scholarships and enrolled at Russian universities have left for their studies!

They’ve been through a long way and they’ve made it. We wish them all the best in pursuing their studies and making friends in Russia.

We believe the knowledge they are about to obtain will serve as a basis for their professional growth and further outstanding achievements!

#russia #russian #africa #russiaafrica #russianeducation #studyinRussia

Astana, 31 January 2023

Mr. Kanat Tumysh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan met with H.E. Ms. Keitumetsi Matthews, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Kazakhstan. H.E. Mr. Yerkin Akhinzhanov the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to South Africa also took part in the meeting.

During the talks, the sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres and noted the importance of further strengthening bilateral contacts in all areas of cooperation. In particular, preparations for the next round of inter-ministerial political consultations in Astana at the end of the first quarter of 2023 were also discussed.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain a high level of contacts between the foreign ministries of the two countries to strengthen the partnership between Astana and Pretoria.

31 January 2023

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for unity and strengthening the principles of democracy for effective governance in his address to the Senate, the upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, on Jan. 26.

Tokayev noted the inviolability of the principle “different opinions, but one nation.”

“Democracy is responsibility for one’s words and actions. We all live in the same society, in the same house. Therefore, every citizen, public figure, and all political forces should be aware of their direct responsibility for the country’s future,” he said.

In 2022, Kazakhstan launched its constitutional reforms. The most important amendments were made to the Basic Law. Presidential elections were held in November.

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Our country has entered a new stage of development. Almost half of the deputy corps has been renewed, with representatives from all regions. A special quota was allocated for the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The Senate plays a crucial role in the public administration system. According to the Constitution, the Senate has essential functions to perform. All conditions have been created for the implementation of legislative activity.

A strong President, an influential Parliament, and an accountable government principle has been established in Kazakhstan. The ongoing reforms seek to create a balanced system of governmental institutions, expand opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process, and improve the efficiency of the public administration.

The large-scale modernization work has brought significant results due to broad public support.

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The transition to a mixed electoral model is crucial in protecting all social groups’ interests. The recently launched election campaign for the Mazhilis and the Maslikhats will be the final stage of resetting key state institutions. This innovation will influence the entire vertical of the representative branch of government.

Elections to the Mazhilis and the Maslikhats, which will be held according to new fair rules, will open a new milestone in the parliamentary history of Kazakhstan.

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The parties play a decisive role in shaping the political system. The country needs parties that have a high degree of responsibility and can defend the people’s interests. Strengthening statehood and preserving the country’s unity should be an absolute priority in their work.

Political parties have to become the main pillar of civil society. They should focus on systematic work to fulfill the requests of citizens. They should strictly follow the law while implementing their programs. It is vital to form a new generation of politicians and make them recognizable in the country.

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My principled position is that criticism of the authorities is an integral part of civil society, and Kazakhstan is no exception. The measures we have taken to transform and modernize society align with people’s aspirations, and reforms will continue.

The country’s principle of “different opinions, but one nation” is unshakable. At the same time, criticism of the authorities should not be indiscriminate. It should be constructive.There is no room for any manifestations of political radicalism and extremism in the country.

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I appeal to all my compatriots: peace and prosperity in our sacred land depend only on ourselves, on our unity and solidarity amid unprecedentedly difficult geopolitical situation in the world. Once again, I remind you of the exceptional importance of preserving and strengthening Independence. This is the most valuable thing our people have.

We must firmly follow the course of constructive reforms and do everything possible to strengthen statehood and consolidate society. The key to this is creating a high culture of political responsibility and active, true patriotism among our citizens. Each of us should follow the principle of mutual solidarity. This is the only way we can build a Just and Fair Kazakhstan – a country of equal opportunities and progress.

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We have seen that if we lose stability, we can lose all our achievements in a matter of moments. It is unity that allows us to overcome all difficulties. Therefore, our common sacred duty is to value and defend our solidarity.

We need solidarity, care for each other, and kindness. Maintaining social harmony is the duty of state bodies and every citizen of the country. In whatever area we work, we must work in the people’s interests.

Our common task is to pass on to the next generation a Kazakhstan that is an influential state with a prosperous economy, a strong spirit, and indestructible unity. I believe we will honorably fulfill this historic duty.

Source: The Astana Times