The authorities of Kazakhstan have clearly expressed their position against the use of the republic's territory by Russian companies to circumvent international sanctions. The Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Roman Vasylenko, stated this while commenting on the relations between Kazakhstan and Russia.
"Astana's position is known and understood by all interested parties, and it is treated with understanding both in Russia and in the West," Vasylenko noted. He emphasized that Kazakhstan has not joined the sanctions against Russia, but does not want its territory to be used to circumvent them.
"Kazakhstan did not impose sanctions against Russia, and Kazakhstan did not join the sanctions against Russia. At the same time, we do not want our territory to be used to circumvent sanctions," the official added.
Vasylenko also noted that Kazakhstan seeks to avoid secondary sanctions and takes all necessary measures to prevent their implementation. He assured that there are "no problems" in bilateral relations with Russia, although there are "different issues", as the relations between the two neighboring states are "very diverse".
Thus, Kazakhstan's position on circumventing sanctions demonstrates a balance between maintaining good-neighborly relations with Russia and observing international norms, which can be an important factor in maintaining stability in the region.
