ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev thanked the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan Dec. 9 for its contribution to the country and noted Kazakhstan’s support for ethnic groups during the association’s Festival of Ethno-Сultural Associations.
Photo credit: akorda.kz
“The Kazakh people work as one family, put their heart and fate into ensuring the prosperity of our motherland. The role and the merit of the assembly are great therein. Over these years, the assembly has truly brought people of different ethnicities and religions together, showed the best that there is in every culture and tradition,” Nazarbayev said.
More than 10,000 people attended the festival, including assembly members, representatives of national and regional ethno-cultural associations, deputies of parliament, heads of central executive organs, political parties, religious groups and non-governmental organisations. University rectors, foreign diplomats, people of art, scientists, students and media also participated.
The President said the 1,332 ethno-cultural centres operating throughout Kazakhstan are a testament to Kazakhstan being a home for all citizens.
He noted that the rites of every ethnicity seem unlike each other at first but have the same meaning and the country marks all celebrations as a unified Kazakhstan nation regardless of how different their names are.
“We participate in celebrations of all ethnicities with pleasure because we have managed to create the spirit of unity and stability. Living, studying, working and raising children is comfortable for all citizens in Kazakhstan. Peace, accord and stability are the main treasures of all our 25 years of independence,” he stressed.
Photo credit: akorda.kz
The President said Kazakhstan is unique in the modern world in its support of ethno-cultural groups. He said Kazakhstan provides support to all ethno-cultural associations and funds schools where children are taught their native language.
He added that newspapers and magazines are being released in 15 languages in Kazakhstan while theatres stage performances in seven languages.
During the festival, Nazarbayev awarded academic status to Korean, German and Uighur national theatres that will open a new phase in developing the nation’s theatrical arts.
“Children of my companions with whom we were creating an Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan for the first time over two decades ago are taking part in this ethno-cultural forum today. This is an example of succession of generations,” the President said, also noting the 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence.
The results of the assembly’s national projects “Myn Bala” (One Thousand Children) and “Karavan miloserdia” (Caravan of Mercy) were also concluded within the festival along with theatrical, vocal, dance and athletic performances by ethno-cultural groups and athletes.
