Rector attended a lecture by President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev in Singapore

Chairman of the Board - Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Zhanseit Tuimebayev participated in the lecture of the Head of State Kasym-Jomart Tokayev in Singapore on "Kazakhstan and the role of middle powers: promoting security, stability and sustainable development".

Within the framework of the state visit, President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev delivered the 46th Singapore Lecture, in which he expressed his vision of the role of middle powers in ensuring global security, stability and sustainable development, - reports the website Akorda.kz.

The Singapore Lectures, organized by the Yusof Ishaq Institute (ISEAS) since 1980, provide a unique opportunity for academics, political scientists, diplomats and young scholars to hear first-hand the position of heads of state and prominent world politicians.

Welcoming the participants of the event, Kasym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Singapore has left a special mark in his biography.

"I served here as a young diplomat many decades ago and I am very happy to return again to witness firsthand how your country continues to make great strides. Indeed, Singapore's remarkable economic transformation under the visionary leadership of its founding father Lee Kuan Yew has been a shining example of successful nation-building and economic growth. Your country inspires Kazakhstan to choose its own path to progress and prosperity. Undoubtedly, the invaluable experience I gained during my stay in Singapore has influenced my vision of Kazakhstan's future in this rapidly changing world," the President emphasized.

Kasym-Jomart Tokayev spoke about Kazakhstan's investment policy and economic diversification. In his opinion, despite geographical remoteness and differences in territory and history, Kazakhstan and Singapore share many common values and face similar challenges.

As the head of state emphasized, there are many other areas in which Kazakhstan and Singapore can work closely together. These include combating climate change, managing water resources and efforts to address global food security.

"Kazakhstan's initiative to open the Central Asia Project Office on Climate Change and Green Energy in Almaty could play a significant role in addressing these issues. We are also planning to hold a Regional Climate Summit under the auspices of the UN in 2026. Water is the first to be affected by the climate crisis, while being one of its main causes. More than 2 billion people in the world do not have access to quality drinking water. I commend President Tharman Shanmugaratnam for his efforts as co-chair of the Global Commission to Save Water. We look forward to his valuable contribution to the One Water Summit to be held this year at the initiative of Kazakhstan and France in the framework of the UN conference," the President said.

Summarizing his speech, the Head of State called for strengthening partnerships based on mutual respect and common goals, and for common efforts to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.

At the end of the lecture, the Head of State answered a number of questions concerning the settlement of geopolitical conflicts, international security, the role of middle powers and the prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Singapore.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University