On May 6, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during a Defender of the Fatherland Day event that the country must reform its armed forces and enhance defense capabilities within two years.
The head of state emphasized that technological modernization of military and paramilitary structures is a strategically urgent task requiring swift action. “It is necessary to carry out deep reforms in our armed forces and paramilitary structures. This is a strategically important task that should be solved in a short time — within two years,” Tokayev stated on his official website.
Tokayev noted that these reforms are driven by the current volatile global environment. He stressed that while conflicts must be resolved through diplomacy, Kazakhstan remains prepared to defend its interests firmly if necessary.
The president also underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening international relations and adhering strictly to international law enshrined in the nation’s new Constitution. “Adherence to peaceful principles does not mean sitting idly by,” he added.
On May 6, Tokayev further revealed that Kazakhstan has engaged with Russia in discussions regarding Caspian Sea tensions following an anti-Iranian coalition strike on Anzali port, which affected five countries. Both Moscow and Astana are in favor of resolving Middle Eastern conflicts through diplomatic channels.
The Kazakh leader also announced the nation’s readiness to respond more assertively to threats. He reiterated the critical need for developing and modernizing defense capabilities and updating military forces to address evolving security challenges.
