Kazakhstan President Criticizes Men Hugging, Calls for Traditional Etiquette

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has publicly criticized the practice of men hugging and kissing each other when meeting, stating it contradicts traditional Kazakh customs.

Speaking to journalists after voting in parliamentary elections, Tokayev expressed disapproval of such physical displays of affection between men. "This is not right when men start hugging each other, kissing, women kiss men, men kiss women. This was never in our customs," he stated.

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This is not right when men start hugging each other, kissing, women kiss men, men kiss women. This was never in our customs.

Tokayev specifically highlighted his concern over these gestures among military officers. "Generals start hugging each other. What is this?" he questioned, contrasting it with the perceived decorum of World War II marshals, whom he suggested would not have engaged in such behavior.

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Generals start hugging each other. What is this?

He proposed that a firm handshake is the appropriate greeting for men. "Men should shake hands with each other, grip it firmly, not offer a hand like a warm cutlet or a twig," Tokayev advised.

To formalize these expectations, President Tokayev revealed that he has initiated the development of a new code of conduct. This code aims to establish and reinforce traditional norms of interaction for both younger and older generations in Kazakhstan.

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Men should shake hands with each other, grip it firmly, not offer a hand like a warm cutlet or a twig.