Public diplomacy (PD) plays a key role in strengthening international relations and mutual understanding between peoples. Kazakhstan is actively developing ND, using it as a tool to promote cultural, economic and humanitarian cooperation, especially within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Central Asia (CA).
Kazakhstan’s public diplomacy is based on a rich history of interaction and cultural exchange with neighboring countries. An important tool is international cultural events such as festivals, exhibitions and concerts, which promote mutual understanding and strengthen friendships. Educational exchanges and programs that allow students and scientists from different countries to interact and exchange knowledge also play an important role.
Kazakhstan actively supports initiatives aimed at promoting culture and traditions, such as holding national culture days in other countries. Establishing twinning relations between cities and regions is also an important element of public diplomacy, contributing to the development of local communities.
Particular attention is paid to interaction with non-governmental organizations and public associations, which play a key role in strengthening intercultural dialogue. Kazakhstan actively participates in international forums and conferences dedicated to issues of public diplomacy, which allows for the exchange of experience and best practices.
– Conducting forums, round tables, seminars and meetings promotes discussion of current issues and exchange of experience.
– Organization of cultural events such as exhibitions, concerts and festivals.
– Exchange programs for students, scientists and cultural figures.
– Active interaction with non-governmental organizations and initiative groups.
– Support for youth, women’s and sports organizations.
– Cooperation within the SCO and other regional associations.
– Signing memorandums of cooperation and joint projects with other countries in the region.
The policy of public diplomacy of Kazakhstan is aimed at creating conditions for sustainable development and strengthening interstate ties. This policy is based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect and cooperation. Kazakhstan strives to be an active participant in international initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the region. An important element of the policy is the support of cultural and educational projects that promote mutual understanding and the development of intercultural dialogue.
Particular attention is paid to interaction with the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which makes it possible to strengthen cooperation in various fields. Public diplomacy policies also include support for civil society initiatives and the development of paradiplomacy.
Kazakhstan actively participates in multilateral cooperation formats, such as forums and conferences, which allows us to promote national interests and strengthen international ties. An important part of the policy is the support and development of public diplomacy institutions, such as cultural centers and associations.
– Support for initiatives aimed at strengthening friendship and good neighborliness between peoples.
– Promoting the ideals of mutual respect and cooperation.
– Promotion of cultural exchange and scientific cooperation.
– Creation of platforms for dialogue and exchange of experience.
– Active participation in international forums and conferences.
– Contribution to the development of regional and global initiatives.
Conclusions and recommendations
– Continue to develop and strengthen centers of public diplomacy.
– Expand the network of cultural and educational programs.
– Increase support for initiatives aimed at interaction with civil society institutions.
– Promote more active participation of youth and women in public diplomacy projects.
– Strengthen cooperation with partners from the SCO and other regional associations.
– Actively participate in international forums and initiatives aimed at developing public diplomacy.
– Develop mechanisms to attract additional funding from the private sector and international organizations.
– Create sustainable financial models to support public diplomacy projects.
Conclusion
Public diplomacy of Kazakhstan plays an important role in strengthening international relations and promoting cultural exchange. The use of public diplomacy mechanisms, such as centers, cultural programs and cooperation with civil society, contributes to the achievement of the country’s strategic goals in the field of international cooperation and mutual understanding.
The policy of public diplomacy of Kazakhstan is aimed at creating conditions for sustainable development and strengthening interstate ties. This policy is based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect and cooperation.
Kazakhstan strives to be an active participant in international initiatives, such as the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the region.
An important element of the policy is the support of cultural and educational projects, such as the International University of Tourism and Hospitality in Turkestan, which promotes mutual understanding and the development of intercultural dialogue.
Particular attention is paid to interaction with the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which makes it possible to strengthen cooperation in various fields, for example, within the framework of the SCO Art cultural festival.
Public diplomacy policies also include support for civil society initiatives and the development of paradiplomacy, such as cooperation with the International Association of Francophonie Mayors. Kazakhstan actively participates in multilateral cooperation formats, such as forums and conferences, for example, the Asian Security Forum, which allows promoting national interests and strengthening international ties.
Kazakhstan’s public diplomacy is based on a rich history of interaction and cultural exchange with neighboring countries. One example is the annual international festival ” Shabyt which brings together young artists and cultural figures from different countries to exchange experiences and demonstrate their creativity.
Educational exchanges, such as the Bolashak program, which provides Kazakh students with the opportunity to study abroad and foreign students in Kazakhstan, are also an important tool. Kazakhstan actively supports initiatives aimed at promoting culture and traditions, such as holding national days of culture of Kazakhstan in China, Russia and other countries.
Establishing sister cities between cities, for example, between Almaty and Istanbul, promotes the development of local communities and cultural exchange. Particular attention is paid to interaction with non-governmental organizations and public associations, such as the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, which plays a key role in strengthening intercultural dialogue.
Kazakhstan actively participates in international forums and conferences, such as the Astana International Forum, which allows for the exchange of experience and best practices.
Financial support for public diplomacy in Kazakhstan is provided through the state budget, as well as with the support of international and private organizations. The state allocates significant funds for the implementation of cultural and educational programs, such as the Bolashak scholarship program, aimed at strengthening international cooperation. Grants and scholarships provided to support educational exchanges and scientific research, such as grants from the Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, play an important role. International organizations such as UNESCO also provide financial support to public diplomacy initiatives, which allows them to expand the scale and scope of events, for example, the Kazakh cultural festival in Paris. The private sector and non-governmental organizations, such as the Soros Foundation-Kazakhstan, are actively involved in financing projects that promote cultural exchange and intercultural dialogue. Financial support also includes support for events such as international conferences, forums and festivals, for example, the Eurasian Media Forum, which help strengthen friendly ties between peoples.
Features of public diplomacy between Kazakhstan and China
People’s diplomacy, or public diplomacy, plays an important role in shaping and strengthening bilateral relations between states. In the context of Kazakhstan and China, public diplomacy is an important tool for creating strong ties at various levels of society, including cultural exchanges, educational programs and economic cooperation. This article examines the current state of public diplomacy between Kazakhstan and China, highlighting key examples and achievements.
Cultural exchanges between Kazakhstan and China are one of the most important aspects of public diplomacy. For example, annual festivals of Chinese culture in Kazakhstan and Kazakh culture in China promote better understanding and respect between peoples. These events include traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions and joint cooking shows, allowing citizens of both countries to experience each other’s rich cultural heritage. In 2022, the China-Kazakhstan Cultural Forum was organized, which brought together representatives of art, culture and science to discuss ways of further cooperation.
Educational cooperation also plays a key role in public diplomacy between Kazakhstan and China. Universities and educational institutions of both countries actively cooperate by organizing exchange programs for students and teachers. An example is the student exchange program between Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan and Peking University in China. These programs promote not only academic growth, but also personal connections that can form the basis for future professional and diplomatic relationships. In 2023, the number of Kazakh students studying in China reached a record high, indicating growing interest in Chinese education and culture.
Economic cooperation is an important aspect of public diplomacy, as it directly affects the level of well-being of citizens. Kazakhstan and China are actively developing economic ties within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. For example, the construction of joint infrastructure projects, such as the international transit corridor Western China – Western Europe, contributes to the development of trade and improved transport accessibility. For more than 10 years since Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Silk Road Economic Belt in Astana, a number of agreements have been signed on the creation of new production facilities and investment projects in Kazakhstan with the participation of Chinese capital, which has become an important step towards further economic cooperation.
Tourism plays an important role in strengthening public diplomacy between Kazakhstan and China. Every year, thousands of tourists from China visit Kazakhstan, and vice versa, Kazakhstanis actively travel to China. This contributes not only to economic growth, but also to the creation of a positive image of countries in the eyes of each other. In 2022, an agreement was signed on a visa-free regime for group tourist trips between the two countries, which significantly simplified the travel process and made it more accessible.
Cooperation between sister cities is an important part of cultural ties and interaction between China and Kazakhstan. The city of Urumqi in Chinese Xinjiang and the Kazakh city of Almaty became the first pair of sister cities in these countries on November 17, 1993. They brought new impetus to the development of relations between China and Kazakhstan, played an important role in strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between peoples, and also promoted the exchange of urban resources and mutually beneficial cooperation.
To date, 26 pairs of sister provinces and cities have been established between the two countries, including the capitals Beijing and Astana.
Modern media and information technologies open up new opportunities for public diplomacy. Social networks, Internet platforms and the media are actively used to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. For example, in 2023, a joint media project was launched dedicated to the history and culture of both countries, which received wide response and popularity among young people. These platforms allow citizens to exchange information, participate in discussions and create new forms of cooperation.
Scientific cooperation is an important aspect of public diplomacy, as it promotes the exchange of knowledge and technology, as well as solving global problems. Kazakhstan and China actively cooperate in the field of scientific research, especially in such areas as ecology, medicine and energy. An example is a joint project to study the impact of climate change on the ecosystems of Central Asia, in which scientists from Kazakhstan and China participate. These studies have not only scientific but also practical significance, as they help develop strategies for adaptation to changing conditions.
Public diplomacy between Kazakhstan and China is an important component of bilateral relations. Cultural exchanges, educational programs, economic cooperation, tourism, media and scientific research play a key role in strengthening mutual understanding and trust between peoples. These initiatives contribute to the creation of strong and sustainable ties that serve as the basis for further development of cooperation and partnerships. In the context of globalization and the growing interdependence of countries, public diplomacy is becoming an increasingly important tool for achieving common goals and solving global challenges.
China Studies Centre
