ATYRAU: The third meeting of Kazakhstan’s National Kurultai, themed ‘Fair Citizen – Fair Labour – Fair Wages,’ was held in Atyrau City under the esteemed presence of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Addressing a gathering of esteemed intellectuals and dignitaries, President Tokayev commenced his speech by extending warm greetings on “Korisu Day,” a celebration symbolizing unity and reconciliation among family and friends after the long winter.
Highlighting the significance of this traditional celebration across Kazakhstan, President Tokayev emphasized the unity it represents and proposed aligning Korisu Day with the upcoming Nauryz holiday, marking a unified start to the festive season.
This year, the auspicious Nauryz holiday coincides with the commencement of Ramadan, adding a layer of cultural richness to the festivities. President Tokayev underscored the importance of both Nauryz and the National Kurultai in symbolizing rejuvenation and fostering progressive social values.
Delving into Kazakhstan’s rich historical tapestry, President Tokayev referenced the ancient city of Saraishyk, situated near the Zhaiyk riverbanks. Once a vibrant hub along the Great Silk Road, Saraishyk served as a pivotal center for economic, political, and cultural exchanges, shaping the region’s historical legacy.
Acknowledging the contributions of Kazakhstan’s esteemed ancestors, President Tokayev emphasized the need for a forward-looking approach while honoring the nation’s heritage. He urged a shift towards modernized values and continued progress across various sectors, emphasizing Kurultai’s role in initiating significant national initiatives.
President Tokayev’s address also touched upon the imperative of unity among Kazakhstan’s diverse people, highlighting the role of intellectuals and elders in fostering national cohesion. He stressed the importance of mutual recognition and respect among prominent figures, steering discussions towards substantive and innovative topics that nurture unity and inspire younger generations.
The President’s remarks echoed a call for constructive dialogue and avoided polarizing historical debates, urging a balanced and impartial examination of Kazakhstan’s history as a unifying force for the nation.
In line with promoting national unity, President Tokayev emphasized the continued priority of expanding the Kazakh language’s role in everyday life. He underscored the importance of utilizing modern information technologies judiciously to bolster language development and cultural preservation.
Furthermore, President Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s rich nomadic heritage, particularly referencing the Ulus of Jochi and the Golden Horde’s significant contributions to Central Eurasia’s history and state-building traditions. He emphasized ongoing efforts to preserve and promote this historical legacy, including initiatives such as a multi-part documentary on the Golden Horde’s history and collaboration with international experts.
President Tokayev’s comprehensive address encompassed key pillars of national development, from cultural preservation to language promotion, underlining Kazakhstan’s commitment to progress while honoring its historical roots. He also highlighted the importance of the creative industry in economic development.
He said that new preferential mortgage and rental housing projects will boost construction, benefiting citizens in need of homes. Road network upgrades over 12,000 km will enhance accessibility and business activity. Gas network modernization aims to reach 300,000 citizens.
He said that aim is to Kazakhstan become a key transit hub, exemplified by the new transport center in Xi’an and plans for IT infrastructure development, including a supercomputer and digital communication lines.
