President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.
The head of state expressed support for the work of Elina Valtonen, who took charge of the OSCE in the context of an extremely difficult situation in the area of regional and global security.
- This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Half a century later, this document remains the foundation of European security, enshrining such key principles as sovereignty, territorial integrity and respect for human rights. Kazakhstan firmly adheres to these fundamental values, - added Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The President also highly appreciated the state of Kazakh-Finnish relations. He emphasized that Finland is a long-standing partner of Astana in the Scandinavian region and declared its readiness to further expand contacts.
In turn, Elina Valtonen emphasized that the OSCE attaches great importance to developing relations with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
- I note your efforts to strengthen the international authority of Kazakhstan, thanks to which the country has established itself as an influential middle power in the region and the world. Kazakhstan's authority is strengthened, including through active participation in such organizations as the OSCE. We sincerely appreciate your active role in a difficult period, especially in the economic and environmental spheres. Cooperation with the OSCE Programme Office in Astana is very fruitful, - said the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
At the end of the meeting, the Head of State conveyed warm wishes to the President of Finland Alexander Stubb and confirmed his readiness for close cooperation in the name of strengthening friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
