By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Kazakhstan has secured a place among the world’s middle powers, according to a comprehensive compilation of articles published by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP).

The middle powers concept refers to countries that play an important role in the global political and economic arena. SWP experts singled out Kazakhstan for its foreign policy, positioning it as a Central Asian key player.

Experts recognized that Kazakhstan has realized its international ambitions early, chairing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2010 and the United Nations Security Council.

The article also mentioned the country’s mediation efforts in the Astana process to resolve the situation in Syria and membership in several other influential organizations in Eurasia.

The country underscores its geographical and historical role as a “bridge between East and West.”

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s international visits have begun to solidify Kazakhstan’s image as a sovereign state, confidently defending its interests beyond ideological principles and ready to take responsibility where diplomacy is required.