Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Toqaev proposed freezing the conflict in Ukraine, citing its "unclear nature," during the 22nd Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia in Omsk, according to infohub.kz.
The head of state expressed his position on the settlement of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. "You know, from the very beginning I said that this is an interstate conflict. It is not about any civil war. We have always respected the Ukrainian people, their culture, and language. And we believe that the nature of this conflict is not entirely clear to many, including us. I know that you showed maximum diplomatic flexibility during the meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. And just my humble opinion, since I have been asked: maybe the conflict should already be frozen and we should return to the Istanbul Formula 2.0, because significant results were achieved there. And then, naturally, under the guarantees of the great powers, including Russia, move further toward long-awaited peace," Qasym-Jomart Toqaev said.
In conclusion, the president reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to strategic partnership and alliance with Russia. "As for Kazakhstan's position toward Russia, have no doubt, we have always considered and still consider Russia a great state. I say this at all international forums. We are committed to strategic cooperation with Russia, allied relations, no matter how difficult it may be. And this Forum is confirmation of that," Toqaev noted.
The Kazakh president arrived in Omsk to attend the forum and laid flowers at a memorial plaque for Kemel Tokayev installed on the facade of the Omsk Hospital for War Veterans. Later, Qasym-Jomart Toqaev held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.