The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan strongly condemns the attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles on July 17 and 19 against civilian vessels in the Black Sea that were engaged in the lawful transportation of oil through the infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
"We consider these attacks as an unacceptable encroachment on the economic interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as deliberate actions aimed at destabilizing legitimate international trade, global energy markets, and the security of international transport and logistics supply chains," the statement said.
Of particular concern is the deliberate disregard of a previously agreed mechanism for exchanging information about civilian vessels entering the Black Sea for oil loading at CPC terminals. This endangered the lives and safety of civilian vessel crews, the ministry said.
Kazakhstan demands an immediate cessation of the attacks and the adoption of comprehensive measures to ensure the security of the export infrastructure for Kazakh hydrocarbon raw materials.
"We call on partner states to resolutely condemn these attacks and urge all interested parties to jointly develop concrete practical measures. We believe that only strict adherence to international law will prevent the recurrence of such incidents," the ministry stated.
Currently, Kazakhstan is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused. Based on its results, Kazakhstan reserves the right to use all mechanisms provided for by international law to protect its legitimate interests, including the right to file claims for compensation for damage.
"The Republic of Kazakhstan emphasizes that there is no alternative to the peaceful settlement of conflicts and reaffirms its commitment to the principles of international law, freedom of navigation, and ensuring the reliable functioning of international transport, logistics, and energy routes," the statement said.