Tokayev calls on Kazakhstanis to replace hugging and kissing with traditional etiquette

Tokayev urges Kazakhs to follow traditional etiquette instead of hugging and kissing

Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has criticized male hugging and urged them to follow national etiquette. The president told reporters after casting his vote in the elections to the new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai.

The head of state condemned the custom of men hugging and kissing when meeting, calling it contrary to Kazakh traditions.

“It is not right for men to hug and kiss each other, for women to kiss men, and for men to kiss women. This has never been part of our traditions,” he said.

The president paid particular attention to such actions among the military.

“Generals are starting to hug each other. What is this?” Tokayev said.

The president cited the example of the marshals who won the Second World War, adding that it is impossible to imagine them hugging. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that men should shake hands tightly, and in very joyful situations, put their right hand to their chest.

“Men should shake hands tightly, not as if they were extending a hot cutlet or a fork,” the Kazakh leader said.

The president also announced his initiative to develop a new code of etiquette that would define traditional norms of communication for young people and adults.