Dear compatriots!
I congratulate you on Republic Day!
This significant date holds special meaning for our entire nation.
On October 25, a historic document, the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Kazakhstan, was adopted.
It was this day that opened a new era in the history of our nation and marked the beginning of our country’s independent development.
Historical justice prevailed, and a solid foundation for Independence was laid on our sacred land.
Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that this day marked the revival of the tradition of statehood in the Great Steppe.
This year, we celebrate our national holiday on the eve of the 35th anniversary of our country’s Independence.
Kazakhstan approaches this historic milestone as a dynamically developing state that enjoys the respect of the international community.
The years of Sovereignty have been marked by significant achievements.
The enduring attributes of our national identity, our State Symbols, have been established.
Our sky-blue flag flies at the headquarters of the United Nations.
A national financial system has been established. Our borders have been definitively secured.
In the very heart of the sacred Saryarka, on the site of an old city, the foundations of our new capital, Astana, were laid, a city admired around the world.
By strengthening our unity, we have established ourselves globally as a land of peace and harmony.
Dear compatriots!
By joining our efforts, we are building a Just Kazakhstan and establishing the principle of Justice in our society.
I fully agree with the assertion that justice is the highest moral value. The new party bears the name “Adilet”.
There is, indeed, nothing above Justice. The leading party bears the name “Adilet”.
It is precisely from the standpoint of Justice that we should view historical processes and give them an objective assessment.
Therefore, I believe that the name of the First President, Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev, who made an enormous contribution to the establishment of Sovereign Kazakhstan, to its development under extremely difficult economic conditions, and to our country’s many historic achievements, will never be forgotten. Such an assessment is fully consistent with the principles of Justice.
As our people wisely say, “Yntymaq – myzghymas qorghan”, meaning “Unity is an unbreakable stronghold.”
We are a nation that looks to the future with confidence and optimism.
Thanks to harmony and stability, we have overcome difficult trials with dignity.
By increasing the prosperity of our country, we have broadened the horizons of our development.
As one nation, we have successfully implemented fundamental transformations.
Most importantly, through the will of the people, we adopted a new Constitution, a sacred document that serves as an unwavering guide for us.
The Constitution that has entered into force has become the cornerstone of the legal framework of our multi-ethnic state.
Every principle and every article of the Basic Law is intended to serve the interests of the country. Under our Constitution, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, as well as the lawful rights and freedoms of citizens, are recognised as the highest values.
Ensuring Law and Order and strengthening national unity have been enshrined as fundamental principles.
The development of science and education, innovation and advanced technologies has been defined as a strategic priority of the state.
The Constitution clearly sets out a vision for Kazakhstan’s past, present and future.
The Basic Law launched a new stage of fundamental transformation, resulting in a comprehensive renewal of the system of state governance.
A unicameral Kurultai has been established.
Thus, in practice, we have implemented the concept of a “Strong President – Influential Parliament, namely the Kurultai – Accountable Government.”
The office of Vice President has been established. The necessary changes have also been made to the structure of the Security Council.
The country’s highest consultative body, the People’s Council of Kazakhstan (Qazaqstan Khalqy Kenesi), has commenced its work.
Our country has become one of the few states in the world where the voluntary, or volunteer, movement has acquired constitutional status.
As we know, the modern world has not witnessed changes of such magnitude in the system of government under conditions that are so complex, unstable, unpredictable and uncertain. For our country, this represents a major political step forward.
Since 2019, our economy has grown by approximately 30 per cent.
GDP per capita has exceeded 15,000 US dollars. Under the National Fund for Children programme, 2.5 billion US dollars has been transferred to the accounts of seven million children.
Last year, more than 20 million square metres of housing were commissioned. This is an unprecedented figure.
Average life expectancy has approached 76 years. According to the World Bank, Kazakhstan leads our region in this indicator. We attach the highest priority to strengthening the potential of the national economy.
We have joined the ranks of the world’s most influential countries, taking 34th place.
Our country’s gross domestic product is approaching 350 billion US dollars. This places us second among the CIS countries.
The share of small and medium-sized businesses in GDP has increased significantly, reaching 40 per cent.
Our entrepreneurs are expanding the production of domestically manufactured goods, and a new business culture has taken shape.
Today, almost half of the country’s working-age population is employed in this sector. At the same time, conditions are being created for the development of production based on advanced technologies.
Over the past five years, the share of manufactured goods in exports has exceeded 45 per cent. Kazakhstan’s industry is thus advancing to a new qualitative level of development.
In recent years, we have made a genuine breakthrough in railway engineering.
We have begun producing virtually everything we need, from rails and sleepers to railway carriages and electric locomotives.
Automobile production is also gaining momentum.
More than 150,000 passenger cars and trucks roll off production lines every year.
All strategic sectors of the economy are receiving powerful new impetus.
Large-scale foreign investment is contributing to the country’s steady progress.
Over the past seven years, the volume of attracted investment has reached 155 billion US dollars.
Participation in high-level international events and visits to various countries not only strengthen Kazakhstan’s political standing but also bring substantial practical benefits.
It is particularly noteworthy that since the beginning of this year, 355 commercial agreements worth a total of 60 billion US dollars have been signed.
Our country is strengthening its position as a leading transport and logistics hub of Eurasia.
Airports, railway stations, bridges and seaports are being built and modernised, while border infrastructure is being upgraded. This is important work, and it will continue.
Over the past seven years, tens of thousands of kilometres of roads and railways have been built or repaired.
Transport, energy and digital corridors connecting Europe and Asia are being developed across our territory.
Kazakhstan has become known throughout the world as a developed, stable and secular state that, as a middle power, makes a significant contribution to strengthening the international order.
Thanks to its pragmatic and responsible foreign policy, Kazakhstan maintains a high level of international standing.
The Kazakh passport is held in high regard around the world.
All borders are open to our citizens and businesses.
Kazakhstan has become an active participant in the global digital transformation.
Our capital is home to the Alem.ai International Centre for Artificial Intelligence and the modern and unique Astana Hub technology park.
Exports of IT services have exceeded one billion US dollars.
Two supercomputers have been launched, with their computing resources serving domestic companies and researchers. A third, highly powerful supercomputer will soon be commissioned.
The Data Centre Valley, a cluster of data centres currently under construction, is intended to become a solid foundation for the digital economy.
We are implementing the nationwide Digital Qazaqstan strategy and introducing artificial intelligence technologies into every sphere of life.
All these measures are aimed at building a Digital, in other words progressive, state that serves our people.
Over the past seven years, 88 trillion tenge has been allocated to the development of the social sector. These funds should be regarded as an investment in improving the well-being of our people.
Today, the quality of healthcare services is improving in every region, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Since 2019, 1,259 healthcare facilities have been built across the country.
The Constitution clearly guarantees the right to a guaranteed volume of free medical care. Our citizens have access to more than one thousand types of medical services free of charge. Without exaggeration, this is an absolutely unique form of social support.
Furthermore, more than 1.7 million pupils are provided with free hot meals in schools, including all primary school pupils and children from socially vulnerable groups.
Kazakhstan provides a wide range of social benefits. However, some types of payments amount, in practice, to an inefficient use of funds.
For this reason, the Government is currently conducting a detailed review of this area and assessing the situation.
Another important task is the comprehensive development of education. This is being done, first and foremost, for the bright future of the younger generation.
During this period, 1,483 kindergartens have been opened and 1,342 modern schools have been built across the country.
Over the past seven years, more than 655,000 educational grants worth a total of 1.5 trillion tenge have been allocated to young people for higher education.
The measures taken will help young people master their chosen professions and develop high-quality practical skills.
As our people wisely say, “Egemen eldin ensesi – biik”, meaning “A sovereign nation holds its head high.”
Thanks to Independence, we have achieved major successes in various fields.
Therefore, we must safeguard peace in our country and work selflessly to strengthen our statehood.
Today, I have recalled some of our achievements.
However, amid contemporary challenges and intensifying competition, we cannot afford to be content with past successes.
Much remains to be done. We acknowledge the existing shortcomings and omissions. The Government, Members of the Kurultai and civil servants must make every effort to address them.
Next week, in my State of the Nation Address, I will set out in detail the priority tasks and plans for the country’s development.
As we know, the world is changing rapidly, and if we are not to be left behind by progress, it is absolutely essential that we keep pace with the times.
The development of human capital is a strategic priority of the state enshrined in our Constitution. We need to raise conscientious, open-minded, competitive, patriotic and responsible citizens. This is precisely what will ensure the growth and prosperity of our country.
We must firmly instil the values of patriotism, diligence, constructive endeavour, mutual respect and compassion, while also fostering a renewed ethical culture in our society.
You are well aware of the current international situation, including recent developments in advanced countries.
There can be no doubt that without ensuring Law and Order and maintaining peace and harmony, it is impossible to achieve progress and, ultimately, to preserve our unity.
I am convinced that social cohesion and the synergy of our collective efforts in pursuit of common interests will enable us to overcome any challenge and achieve all the goals we have set.
Dear compatriots!
Republic Day is a unique national holiday that unites all our citizens.
Sovereignty and Independence are our most precious heritage and our highest values!
Therefore, preserving and strengthening our statehood is our sacred duty.
It was through the steadfast will and resilience of our ancestors that we attained Sovereignty.
The memory of the heroes who gave their lives for Independence and selflessly fought for freedom will remain forever in our hearts.
The older generation withstood every blow of fate, overcame hardships and dangers, and continued to work tirelessly for the good of the country.
All our compatriots, especially young people, have begun to gain a deeper understanding of the history of their country and to treat it with genuine respect. This is a highly positive trend.
Indeed, history must never be viewed from a one-sided perspective.
Our past is a chronicle of great victories, a glorious heritage and unparalleled traditions.
The eventful history of our country has been written by courageous, dedicated and outstanding individuals.
Their lives and ideals serve as an example for the younger generation.
Ultimately, our country grows stronger thanks to statesmen, patriots, intellectual, responsible and hardworking people.
There is no doubt that the citizens present in this hall today embody these admirable qualities.
Among them is Abdrashit Koishibekovich Dospanov, a recipient of the Order of Enbek Danky.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he has worked with distinction in the metallurgical industry for more than 40 years.
Thanks to his professional expertise and dedication to his duty, he has achieved great success and made a significant contribution to the development of our country.
He continues to share his experience with young professionals and teaches them the finer points of their chosen profession.
Today, I have decided to confer upon Abdrashit Koishibekovich Dospanov the title of Hero of Labour of Kazakhstan.
Also invited to this festive event is an outstanding representative of our national culture, the renowned composer and teacher Altynbek Korazbayev.
His songs have resonated in the hearts of several generations and have become part of the golden treasury of Kazakh art.
Today, I will present Altynbek Korazbayev with the high state award, the Order of Otan.
Present in this hall is the celebrated mountaineer Kazbek Valiyev. He has conquered the highest peaks on the planet and become a legend of world mountaineering.
In recognition of Kazbek Shakimovich’s outstanding achievements, I have decided to award him the Order of Barys, Second Class.
Natalya Viktorovna Safiulina embodies the highest standards of teaching excellence, professionalism and dedication to her chosen profession.
As an innovative teacher, she successfully applies advanced approaches to the education of children with special needs.
The state will continue to support educators who contribute to building a truly inclusive society.
For her significant contribution to the development of education, Natalya Viktorovna Safiulina is being awarded the title of Honoured Teacher of Kazakhstan.
In addition, the renowned opera singer Talgat Maratovich Musabayev, who has made a significant contribution to the development of culture, is being awarded the title of People’s Artist of Kazakhstan.
Alongside artists and cultural figures, scientists who have devoted themselves to the study of culture also deserve our profound respect.
The renowned local historian Baurzhan Uzbekaliyevich Zhanibekov, who actively contributes to the development of museums and the preservation of our historical and cultural heritage, is being awarded the title of Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan.
The talented teacher and art historian Elmira Sakenovna Sultangaliyeva is being awarded the Order of Kurmet.
Representatives of skilled and working professions also make a substantial contribution to the development of our country.
Today, this hall has brought together genuine people of labour who have achieved significant success through their honest work.
Special mention should be made of Didar Telzhanuly, an employee of Astana-Zelenstroy.
The useful initiatives being implemented in this field are closely aligned with the Taza Qazaqstan concept that I initiated as President. It is no exaggeration to say that this work is of enormous importance to the entire country.
It is obvious that if our streets are not clean, if trees and flowers do not grow around us, and if citizens fail to treat nature with care, then the country as a whole will not be able to advance along the path of development and constructive progress.
This is a common task for the Government, the Kurultai, law enforcement agencies, representatives of local executive bodies, other governmental and non-governmental organisations, universities and schools. In other words, Taza Qazaqstan is a nationwide movement.
Today, in recognition of his significant contribution to improving our capital, the highly skilled professional Didar Telzhanuly is being awarded the Order of Kurmet.
The contribution of Amanzhol Tokenovich Uissenbayev, an employee of Astana Ormany, is also being recognised with the Eren Enbegi Ushin Medal.
On this significant day, we pay tribute to Sergey Nikolayevich Pustylnikov, a machine operator from the Shal Akyn District of the North Kazakhstan Region.
For three decades, he has worked productively in agriculture and has passed on his extensive experience to the younger generation.
For his achievements in labour and dedication to his profession, Sergey Nikolayevich Pustylnikov is being awarded the Order of Enbek Danky, Third Class.
We attach particular importance to strengthening the health of the nation and raising an intellectually developed generation.
It is our duty to provide comprehensive support to teachers and healthcare workers and to show profound respect for their work.
Today, senior nurse Anar Rakhmanbekovna Abdykulova and distinguished educator Salima Ibraimovna Zhumamuratova are being awarded the Shapagat Medal.
Social harmony is an unwavering guarantee of our sovereignty.
The Order of El Birligi will be awarded to a group of citizens who have worked productively to strengthen unity and harmony in our country.
Furthermore, more than two thousand citizens who have made a significant contribution to the development of the state and set an example to others through their conscientious work will receive state awards.
They include 129 labour veterans; 473 workers from industry, transport, construction, agriculture and other sectors; more than 200 representatives of small and medium-sized businesses; over 150 teachers and researchers; around 120 healthcare professionals; and many other fellow citizens.
I congratulate you!
Respect for people of labour who enhance the standing of our country is one of the unwavering priorities of state policy.
On the eve of Republic Day, I express my sincere gratitude to you and to all our compatriots.
May our statehood grow ever stronger!
May our sacred Motherland, Kazakhstan, prosper!