Kazakhstan’s First President Nursultan Nazarbayev tested positive for COVID-19 on June 18th, according to the Elbasy (Leader of the Nation, the constitutional title accorded to Nursultan Nazarbayev) official press service.
Kazakhstan’s First President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Photo credit: elbasy.kz.
“Currently, the First President of Kazakhstan is in self-isolation. Unfortunately, the last test of the Elbasy for coronavirus infection showed a positive result. But there is no cause for concern,” the press service said in the statement.
According to Nazarbayev’s press secretary Aidos Ukibay, from the beginning of the month Nazarbayev has held a series of bilateral negotiations and meetings with government officials and gave interviews to both domestic and foreign media representatives. The latter involved more than 40 people.
“The Elbasy continues to work remotely using modern communication channels,” Ukibay explained to inform.kz.
The Kazakh President expressed his support and conveyed his best wishes to Nazarbayev in a twitter post.
“I wish Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev a speedy recovery. He is a strong-willed man. His entire life is about overcoming. So I am sure that he will successfully overcome this test of life,” he said.
The presidents of Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey sent out telegrams to wish Nazarbayev a speedy recovery.
“I would like to sincerely and in a friendly manner support you during this difficult moment. I am sure that your extraordinary vital energy, pep and optimism will help you overcome the virus in a short time. I sincerely wish you complete recovery and good health for many years to come,” the telegram from Russian President Vladimir Putin reads.
“I want to once again sincerely express to you, my dear brother, whom we immeasurably respect, my readiness to comprehensively support and be with you during this difficult time. I am sure that in the near future you will undoubtedly defeat this virus and get better,” Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said in a telegram.
On the same day, many people came to Ukibay to express their support for Nazarbayev.
“My phone is literally burning up from all the calls and messenger notifications. Journalists, friends, relatives, colleagues, including those from near and far abroad, all of them wish the Elbasy strength and good health,” he said.
