The First President congratulated Robert Floyd on his election as the CTBTO Executive Secretary and wished him every success in his responsible office. 

“On August 29, we commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. Since then, Kazakhstan has been relentlessly fighting against nuclear weapons. Kazakhstan has experienced the devastating consequences following more than 500 explosions conducted at the nuclear test site that affected the lives of many people.

In addition to shutting down the test site in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan has also renounced the fourth largest nuclear arsenal in the world. I also welcome the recent extension of the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) has also entered into force this year. The number of States signing and ratifying the CTBT is increasing. I expect that this work will be continued in the future,” Nursultan Nazarbayev stated.

Nursultan Nazarbayev appreciated that Kazakhstan’s efforts in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation have been recognized in the world.

“We have been contributing to all activities to fight against nuclear weapons and to ban nuclear testing. I am delighted to know that our work is valued. At the initiative of our country, the UN declared August 29 the International day against nuclear tests,” Nursultan Nazarbayev highlighted. 

In turn, Robert Floyd welcomed the opportunity to meet Nursultan Nazarbayev who contributed greatly to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as to peaceful use of nuclear energy.

“Your contribution has helped translating the CTBT into action. Its value can hardly be overestimated. The impact is great,” Robert Floyd underscored.   

The sides also shared views on the current agenda on global security and stability.