President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with officers and soldiers who served in the National Peacekeeping Forces and made a significant contribution to strengthening international security. The Head of State emphasized that they had fulfilled a crucial mission entrusted to our country at a high level. Kazakhstan’s participation in peacekeeping missions is a testament to its peace-loving policy — this is the opinion expressed by Mukhtar Serkpayev, President of the NGO "Academy of Military Sciences," Doctor of Military History, Professor, and Reserve Colonel. In this interview, the expert discusses the significance of peacekeeping, the training of military personnel, and Kazakhstan’s prospects in international missions.
– President Tokayev noted that being a peacekeeper is a great honor and a high responsibility. Mr. Serkpayev, how do you assess the role of Kazakhstan’s peacekeepers in today’s global conflicts?
– The role of peacekeepers is extremely important. Wherever peacekeeping forces operate effectively, civilian casualties can be minimized. Typically, peacekeepers are deployed after the active phase of conflict ends. Their task is to draw a “red line” to prevent further clashes. They also work to clear civilian infrastructure and areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance remain. That is why their role is so vital.
Kazakhstan gains invaluable experience by participating in such missions. It’s one thing to gain combat experience without casualties, and another to fight in a war with losses — that is far more tragic.
To an ordinary citizen, it may seem as though military personnel are simply assigned and sent on a mission. In reality, there is a long period of preparation to ensure our troops meet the high standards required for UN peacekeeping units. Initially, Kazakh military personnel served within foreign units — for example, our soldiers were part of an Indian battalion participating in a UN mission. Officers gained experience and training through international structures. Over time, our units met full international standards — meaning they had to study and understand international military law, the military equipment used by the UN, foreign languages, and the traditions and cultures of the regions where they would be deployed. All this greatly facilitates mission execution in the field.
I believe our service members have honorably fulfilled and continue to fulfill their missions under the UN. There is a constant rotation: some troops return home while others are deployed in their place.
– According to the President, the mission on the Golan Heights was a historic step for Kazakhstan. What does it mean for the country?
– It marked the first time Kazakhstan conducted an independent peacekeeping mission. Moreover, enterprises within the defense industry, particularly Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering, prepared about 30 units of equipment specifically for this mission. In other words, Kazakhstan not only sent its military personnel but also provided them with domestic equipment.
– The President noted that not every country can participate in peacekeeping operations. What enabled Kazakhstan to conduct independent missions?
– First and foremost, the presence of well-trained personnel. Soldiers must have the knowledge and skills required to complete tasks assigned by the UN. Second, it’s about the state’s own policy. Kazakhstan has always positioned itself as a peace-loving nation. We were one of the first to renounce nuclear weapons and close our nuclear test site. We have consistently opposed war. As the President says, Kazakhstan advocates resolving all issues through diplomacy. Every war and conflict eventually ends at the negotiation table. Kazakhstan holds firmly to this position and promotes peace at every international platform. This commitment is not just rhetoric — we’ve proven it through action, by successfully completing an independent mission on the Golan Heights.
– President Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan is one of the few Central Asian countries with a fully operational peacekeeping contingent. How does this elevate the country’s standing on the global stage?
– Historically, Kazakhstan already had experience in such operations. Our troops guarded the Tajik-Afghan border under CIS and CSTO agreements. Our battalion was responsible for protecting the southern frontiers not only of Tajikistan but also of Central Asia as a whole.
April 7 marked 30 years since those tragic events in which Kazakh soldiers suffered losses: 17 died and 33 were wounded. The government ensured that those involved in the fighting received social protection by adopting a law granting them specific benefits.
This demonstrates that Kazakhstan has experience in such operations and has earned credibility as a country capable of contributing to peacekeeping — not only in the post-Soviet space but also on a global scale. Kazakhstan presents itself as an independent and sovereign state capable of ensuring security, including in regions such as the Golan Heights.
– President Tokayev emphasized the importance of women in the army, praising the heroism of Kazakh servicewomen. What is their role in peacekeeping missions?
– From my own experience, I can say that the participation of women in both officer and enlisted ranks is extremely important. Women are often highly responsible. There are tasks that only women can perform — for instance, in the medical field. In peacekeeping missions, they often handle medical support, and their contribution is invaluable.
Women also perform well in the Armed Forces — both as fighters and as specialists. Overall, every citizen over the age of 18, regardless of gender, should be ready to defend our Homeland, our society, and our independence.
– In his speech, the President spoke about integrating peacekeeping mission experience into military training. What changes do you consider to be a priority?
– The experience gained during peacekeeping operations is incredibly valuable. Peacekeepers are always at risk during missions. Ensuring their safety is a key responsibility of military personnel. We need to train our soldiers to protect themselves, and for commanders to be able to safeguard their units while fulfilling their tasks with minimal losses during potential combat situations.
Given today’s conflicts — such as the one between Russia and Ukraine — we clearly see how important it is to be able to ensure your own security.
Both domestic and international experience should be incorporated into the training programs for conscripts, non-commissioned officers, and officer ranks.
– Kazakhstanis serve in conflict zones across Africa and the Middle East. In light of the President’s statements about continuing participation in peacekeeping operations, what opportunities lie ahead for Kazakhstan’s army internationally?
– During my time in service, Kazakh officers were trained for UN missions, including in Africa. They gained valuable experience by working alongside units from other countries.
All conflicts eventually come to an end, and peacekeepers play a crucial role in the final phase. They position themselves between the warring parties, ensure the ceasefire, and carry out UN-assigned tasks.
I believe Kazakhstan has sufficient experience to continue participating in such missions. The most important thing is for this to happen without casualties or losses among the servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
