President Tokayev calls off international forum in Astana to save money for fighting floods

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called off the Astana International Forum 2024 due to massive floods in the country. As he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, the government should cut its expenditures to save money for emergency relief for those suffering from floods. 

«Due to unprecedented floods in Kazakhstan and the necessity to save financial resources for emergency relief and assisting people, I have decided to call off the Astana International Forum scheduled on June 13-14 this year,» the president posted on social media.

As President Tokayev has highlighted, he hopes for the understanding of those invited to the event. The Astana International Forum will be held next year.

The forum in Astana is meant to be an effective platform for dialogue between various governments, international organizations, big companies and business and scientific communities. This year, the forum was supposed to be held for the second time.

In March, massive floods hit several regions in Kazakhstan. In response, they have declared a state of emergency. According to recent official data, authorities have evacuated 102,000 people from flooded areas, although more than 10,000 have already returned to their homes where possible.

During his address to the nation, President Tokayev described the floods as «the most massive disaster in Kazakhstan over the past 80 years.» He said the government would provide those who suffered from the floods with all necessary financial and other support.

Turkey and Tajikistan said that Kazakhstan can rely on their support if needed. Kyrgyzstan has already sent humanitarian aid to Kazakhstan, while Azerbaijan officially expressed its condolences to relatives of two Kazakhstanis who died during the floods.