The official spokesman for Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aibek Smadiyarov, extended an invitation to Tina Kandelaki, the head of TNT TV, to visit Kazakhstan in light of her comments about the status of the Russian language within the republic. The disclosure came through RIA News. Smadiyarov framed the invitation as a chance to see life in Kazakhstan firsthand and to foster continued collaboration between the two nations rather than dwell on contentious topics online.
He expressed concern that regional neighbors and friends sometimes know less than they should about Kazakhstan, highlighting a gap in understanding that could be bridged through direct dialogue and cultural exchange. Smadiyarov asserted that Kandelaki’s remarks did not align with the reality on the ground, calling the information she shared unreliable and urging a more informed, on-site assessment before forming opinions about the republic’s policies and multilingual dynamics.
Smadiyarov encouraged a shift from public sparring on social networks to constructive cooperation. He suggested that a joint approach to issues of mutual interest would yield more tangible benefits than grand statements that may inflame tensions or spread misinformation. The invitation was presented as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and to demonstrate Kazakhstan’s commitment to openness and dialogue, as noted by .
The spokesman clarified that Kandelaki was not listed among foreign nationals who are barred from entering Kazakhstan due to negative statements about the country. He pointed out that such lists remain an internal matter for every state and should be understood in the proper context, without extrapolating to broader diplomatic hostility. The message was clear: entry decisions are sovereign and not a tool for personal disputes, even when disagreements arise in public discourse.
Smadiyarov added that if a foreign figure does not resonate with a host nation, that sentiment does not automatically justify exclusion. He emphasized that the state would not initiate or endorse any list of this kind, underscoring a commitment to legal norms and sovereign discretion rather than punitive measures based on opinion alone. The stance reinforced Kazakhstan’s preference for engagement over escalation, even amid provocative remarks from prominent media personalities.
When pressed on whether Kazakhstan might contemplate placing Kandelaki on any future entry list, the official avoided a direct yes or no and suggested that the likelihood of a visit by the TV presenter to Kazakhstan remained uncertain. The broader takeaway was a focus on diplomacy, hospitality, and the possibility of mutual understanding through firsthand experience. The conversation appeared to aim at reducing tension and promoting a more balanced narrative about Kazakhstan in the media, with ongoing updates anticipated .