“Preserving Soldiers’ Lives is an Absolute Priority”: Tokayev Issues First Directives to New Head of the Defense Ministry

Astana — President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has held a working meeting with the newly appointed Minister of Defense, Aidos Myrzakhmetov. During the session, the Head of State outlined key objectives aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capabilities and fundamentally overhauling the military’s internal safety systems, Tiek.kz reports, citing the Akorda press service.

Personnel Safety as the Ultimate Command Priority

In light of recent tragic events, the meeting placed a heavy emphasis on the safety conditions of military service. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a firm and uncompromising message: preserving the lives and health of military personnel must be the absolute and unconditional priority for commanders at all levels.

Alongside this critical mandate, the President instructed the new minister to elevate the actual combat readiness of the Armed Forces and significantly improve the military command and control system.

A Course Toward Modernization and Social Support

Aidos Myrzakhmetov has been tasked with a comprehensive set of objectives aimed at a large-scale transformation of the defense agency. The Head of State formally instructed the ministry to:

• Enhance the quality of professional and tactical training for all personnel;

• Develop military infrastructure and systematically modernize weaponry and technical equipment;

• Integrate modern technologies and digital solutions into day-to-day army processes.

President Tokayev also placed special emphasis on the ideological and moral component of military service. According to the Head of State, it is necessary to strengthen educational work within the troops, focusing on instilling strict discipline, personal responsibility, and unwavering loyalty to the Homeland among soldiers.

Concluding the meeting, the President underscored the vital importance of ensuring comprehensive social support for military personnel and their families.