In an interview with Turkistan newspaper, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed rumors about his health, stating that he is currently in good health. He also emphasized that it’s too early to discuss a power transition in Kazakhstan.
Tokayev said his blood pressure is stable, and he regularly engages in physical activities. "I’ve started doing yoga every day, though without meditation. A couple of times a week, I play table tennis with a former professional player. I’ve managed to lose nine kilograms, which has positively impacted my health," he shared.
Regarding the power transition, Tokayev stressed that it’s premature to discuss, as "there are still several years of hard work ahead."
He also noted that many of his CIS counterparts maintain active lifestyles. He mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s physical fitness, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s regular training, and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov’s love of football. He also highlighted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s interest in cycling and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s continued love of ice hockey.
"Emomali Rahmon also has no health complaints, showing the resilience of a warrior-sailor. So, all of my colleagues are in excellent shape," Tokayev added.
Tokayev – sinologist and statesman
Reflecting on his 50 years in public service, which began in 1975, Tokayev shared that his early specialization in sinology influenced his work and character. "My first specialization was sinology, which requires particular patience. It taught me to work with texts, and I can’t tolerate poor writing or typos," he said.
He emphasized that he personally works on all his speeches and writings, stressing the importance of attention to detail.
Tokayev identified himself as a "statesman," underlining his commitment to serving the state and people of Kazakhstan.
On Nursultan Nazarbayev
Tokayev discussed meetings with Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, stating that these meetings are informal and part of standard diplomatic practice. He noted that Russian President Putin holds Nazarbayev in high regard, having organized the recent St. Petersburg meeting at Nazarbayev’s request.
"Nazarbayev played a key role in building modern Kazakhstani statehood," Tokayev said, emphasizing that his contributions to the country's institutions and economy are undeniable.
"Kazakhstan became a shadow supplier of cheap fuel"
Tokayev spoke about reforms aimed at improving Kazakhstan’s energy and utility infrastructure, which have faced critical wear and tear. He stressed that low tariffs for energy and utilities distorted resource distribution, benefiting large businesses over those in need.
"Prices in Kazakhstan are the lowest in the post-Soviet space. Our country became a shadow supplier of cheap fuel to neighboring countries. It’s time to debunk the myth that low tariffs benefit people with modest incomes. In fact, it’s a hidden subsidy for the wealthy," he said.
He proposed adjusting tariffs to a model where "the more you consume, the more you pay," aiming to redistribute resources in favor of those who truly need them.
