The 6th of July 2020 is a remarkable day in the history of independent Kazakhstan. On this day, Kazakhstan will celebrate 80th anniversary of its First President N.Nazarbayev and 22 years of establishment of a new capital Nur-Sultan. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev was elected as a President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 1 December 1991 at the first nation-wide elections.
Under Nursultan Nazarbayev’s leadership, Kazakhstan succeeded in implementing political and socio-economic reforms which brought tangible results and increased the well-being of its citizen.
Kazakhstan adopted a number of economic programmes, among them Strategy -2050 which outlined objectives and concrete measures to ensure joining of Kazakhstan to the list of 30 most competitive economies of the world by 2050. Economic reforms and the ambitious infrastructure and industrial programs make Kazakhstan today one of the most favorable countries for foreign investment and trade. Kazakhstan has attracted more than $350 billion in foreign direct investments. The country has managed to accumulate large financial resources in its National anti-crisis Fund, which makes it possible to solve important socio-economic tasks in crisis situations.
In a short period of time Kazakhstan transformed into a modern, advanced state, part of the group of the 50 most competitive countries in the world. The population of the country now exceeds 18 million people, with life expectancy reaching 72.5 years. The level of GDP amounted to 11.2 thousand dollars per capita, the literacy rate reached 99.8 percent. Kazakhstan now ranks 25th among 190 countries in the World Bank Doing Business index and 58th in the human development index.
Harmonization of interethnic and inter-religious relations, tolerance, and consent – all this has become the basis and one of the main priorities of the internal policy of Kazakhstan. In 1992 upon initiative of N.Nazarbayev the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan was created, the main purpose of which is to ensure equality of rights and freedoms of citizens, regardless of their nationality, language, religion, membership of social groups.
N.Nazarbayev attached a special significance to the establishment of favorable international environment for the successful implementation of internal socio-economic reforms. Kazakhstan pursues a balanced multi-vector policy, the essence of which is to establish and develop mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries. Well-balanced and far-sighted external policy helped to establish relations of strategic and enhanced partnership with Russia, China, USA, EU, countries of Islamic world and friendly relations with all countries of the world.
Kazakhstan became champion for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. By the
Decree of the First President N.Nazarbayev the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site was shut down. Kazakhstan voluntarily abandoned
the huge nuclear potential inherited from the Soviet Union, which was the fourth largest in the world. Kazakhstan with its neighbors established Central Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone.
Kazakhstan actively contributes to the promotion of peace and security in the world and in the region. Kazakhstan has chaired, among others, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
As the first ever Central Asian country Kazakhstan was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2017-2018. The Astana process contributes to solution of the situation in Syria. To date, more than a dozen rounds have been held, which helped to overcome significant barriers in the negotiation process between the Syrian government and the armed opposition of Syria.
Promotion of the inter-religious dialogue through President’s initiative of hosting Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is a testament to the commitment of Kazakhstan to strengthen human rights and universal freedoms.
The idea of creation of a new, modern capital of Kazakhstan belongs to Nursultan Nazarbayev. On July 6, 1994, he initiated and the Parliament of Kazakhstan supported the idea to move the capital from Almaty to Astana.
N. Nazarbayev significantly contributed to the construction and development of a new capital which has become a true image of an independent country, the pride
of citizen of Kazakhstan. On the initiative and decision of the Parliament, supported by the population, the capital Astana in 2019 was named in honor of its creator – Nur-Sultan.
Nur-Sultan’s favourable location in the centre of the Eurasian continent makes it an economically advantageous transport, communication and logistics centre, and a natural bridge between Europe and Asia.
The architectural concept of Nur-Sultan was based on the idea of N. Nazarbayev implying a special Eurasian style of city should harmoniously combine the cultural traditions of both the East and the West. A well-known Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa became the author of the general layout of the capital city.
Renowned British architect Norman Foster designed many buildings in the city. In 1999, Nur-Sultan was awarded the title of the City of Peace by UNESCO.
Today Nur-Sultan is a venue for numerous international forums, congresses and large scale international events. The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Astana Economic Forum and other forums are held regularly in the city. In December, 2010, the historical Summit of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe took place in the capital city of Kazakhstan, after which it hosted the anniversary summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. In 2011, the city welcomed the participants and guests of the 7th Asian Winter Games. In 2017, Nur-Sultan hosted the international specialized exhibition EXPO-2017 and in
2018 Summit of the OIC on science and technology.
The impressive achievements of independent Kazakhstan in many spheres are the result of tireless work and strong political will of the First President of Kazakhstan.
In March 2019 Nursultan Nazarbayev voluntarily relinquished his powers after serving 30 years as the President of Kazakhstan. He stated that he sees his future task in ensuring the coming to power of a new generation of leaders who will continue the transformation being carried out in the country.
This important decision of the Head of State showed his greatness as a politician, it was motivated by considerations of the highest order, true concern for the future of Kazakhstan.
Nursultan Nazarbayev remains the only and lifelong Leader of the Nation (Elbasy). He is also Chairman of the Security Council, Chairman of the Nur-Otan party, Chairman of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, and a Member of the Constitutional Council. An authoritative opinion of the Leader of the Nation has a particular importance in the development and adoption of strategic decisions.
On June 9, 2019 early elections of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan were held and on 12 June 2019 Kassym- Jomart Tokayev was elected as a new President. Kazakhstan carried out the transfer of power in a calm, conflict-free way, which is a powerful factor in ensuring internal stability and strengthening the international authority of Kazakhstan.
New President of Kazakhstan Kassym- Jomart Tokayev declared at his inaugural speech that all priorities and goals of internal and foreign policy of Kazakhstan will be further maintained and practically implemented. Kazakhstan will continue develop friendly relations with all countries on the principle of trust, transparency, predictability and mutual interest.
The Ethiopian Herald June 21,2020
COMPILED BY HAFTU GEBREZGABIHER
