Kazakh president’s multipronged policy of interest to not only Russia, but also CSTO
Ambassador Arman Navasardyan claims that Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev is pursuing a multi-pronged policy, with Russia’s support, as Russia prefers him as the leader of Central Asian Muslims to Turkish President Recep Erdogan.
Statements on a need to consolidate the collective security treaty organization (CSTO) were made in Yerevan as well. But it does not mean the CSTO cannot be strong without the Kazakh president.
“Of course, a strong CSTO is in Russia’s interests. But I would like to say that Nazarbayev’s role in the million-strong Muslim work could be of greater interest not only to Russia, but also to the CSTO, than a role by a protégé figure,” Mr Navasardyan said.