Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has reiterated the importance of maintaining traditional moral values and a pragmatic approach to governance, stating that recent global developments have reinforced the validity of Kazakhstan’s policies. In a recent address, his remarks appeared to reflect positions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration on issues of foreign aid oversight, institutional integrity, and national sovereignty.
“For decades, many countries have been forcefully subjected to so-called democratic moral values, including LGBT rights. This was carried out by international non-governmental funds and organizations, which, under this banner, blatantly interfered in the internal affairs of many nations,” President Tokayev stated.
His speech comes amid significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy. Since securing re-election, President Trump has launched efforts to overhaul American foreign assistance programs, including a reduction of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
“In reality, it turned out to be quite simple – multi-billion budgets were plundered. The personal wealth of almost all those advocating for ‘progress and democracy,’ ‘human rights,’ ‘freedom of the press,’ and the ‘fight against corruption’ does not align in any way with their official salaries,” Tokayev remarked.
He further noted the broader significance of recent U.S. actions: “Therefore, the efforts of the current American administration, led by President Trump, to expose large-scale abuses, uncover the political hypocrisy of the ‘deep state,’ and restore traditional moral values deserve support. Everyone knows that everything that happens in the U.S. has a direct impact on the entire world.”
Kazakhstan, a key geopolitical player in Central Asia bordering Russia and China, has long pursued a balanced foreign policy. At the same time, its economic ties with the United States continue to strengthen. In 2024, U.S. exports to Kazakhstan reached approximately $1.08 billion, highlighting deepening trade relations. The energy sector remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, with Chevron—a major investor in the country—launching a $48 billion expansion of the Tengiz oilfield in early 2025.
In addition to economic collaboration, the U.S. Congress has been deliberating whether to grant Kazakhstan Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status by repealing the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. The proposed repeal, which has been under discussion since late 2024, would remove outdated trade restrictions and facilitate a more predictable and stable commercial framework between the two countries.
During his speech, Tokayev also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to governance rooted in a careful balance of historical traditions and modern values. He emphasized that political stability depends on pragmatism and adherence to law and order.
“We have always proceeded from the necessity of balancing historical, traditional, and modern values. Long ago, we called for political pragmatism and emphasized the importance of upholding Law and Order. Current global events have confirmed the correctness of our course,” he said.
While Tokayev did not explicitly endorse any specific U.S. policy, his focus on exposing financial irregularities, minimizing foreign influence in governance, and restoring traditional social values aligns with the priorities of the Trump administration’s second-term agenda. With energy collaboration expanding and potential trade reforms on the horizon, U.S.-Kazakh relations appear poised for further growth.
