Kazakhstan's Rise: How Tokayev is Reshaping the 'Middle Corridor' into a New Economic Diplomacy Cornerstone

HASAKSTAN'S ECONOMIC AND DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY PILLAR: "THE MIDDLE CORRIDOR" [THE INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT ROUTE OF THE CASPIAN SEA CROSSING]

Under the leadership of Tokayev, the international transport route of the Caspian Sea crossing, widely known as the "Middle Corridor" [TITR], has been elevated to a cornerstone of Kazakhstan's economic and diplomatic strategy.

Although the initial planning of this corridor predates his presidency, Tokayev has significantly expanded its role through his technocratic transformation and pragmatic infrastructure diplomacy during his tenure.

This east-west trade route connects China and Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, providing an alternative route for Eurasian trade that bypasses Russia, especially after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.

Tokayev's emerging foreign policy concept marks Kazakhstan's move towards pragmatic multilateralism, rooted in neutrality, diversification, and the country's status as a regional hub.

Source: The Diplomatist

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830526817858563/

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