By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan met with Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, and President of the Assembly of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) on March 28 in Boao, China.

Tokayev expressed gratitude to Ban Ki-moon for the invitation to take part in the BFA and noted his considerable contribution to the world community as one of the best Secretaries-General in UN history.

Ban Ki-moon emphasized the substantial contribution of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the development of international cooperation.

"As a leader of Kazakhstan you have been actively working to ensure regional peace and cooperation, empowering people and United Nations. Kazakhstan has been serving as a vital bridge between East and West. So you have such an abundant experience knowing how East and West work" said Ban Ki-moon.

The parties discussed the international agenda, including the role of the UN in effectively overcoming global challenges.

Speaking about Kazakhstan’s international initiatives, including hosting the One Water Summit with France within the 79th session of the General Assembly and a Regional Climate Summit in 2026, Tokayev invited Ban Ki-moon to take part in the upcoming Astana International Forum on June 13-14, 2024.