ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates the Republic Day on Oct. 25. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the citizens on this major occasion, emphasizing it is a symbol of the Kazakh people’s centuries-old dream of independence, reported the presidential press office.
The Akorda presidential residence. Photo credit: Presidential Press Office
Thirty-three years ago, the Declaration on the State Sovereignty of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic was adopted, which “marked the historical choice of Kazakhstan, laying a solid foundation for the steady progress of the country.”
“This truly momentous document enshrined the indivisibility and inviolability of our territory, commitment to strengthening the national identity, guarantees of rights and freedoms of citizens. These fundamental principles are embodied today in the Constitution, laws and strategic course of Kazakhstan,” said Tokayev.
Unity and solidarity helped the Kazakh people overcome challenges and trials, according to the President.
“The Republic Day symbolizes our sincere desire to build a harmonious and prosperous society by joint efforts, inspires us to new achievements. This is where responsible citizenship manifests itself – in the readiness of each of us to contribute to the sustainable development of the country by word and action,” said Tokayev.
President Tokayev at the flag-raising ceremony. Photo credit: Presidential Press Office
The state flag-raising ceremony took place in front of the Akorda presidential residence in Astana, marking the official start of the celebration. Similar ceremonies are expected to be held in all regions of Kazakhstan, along with other festive events.
The holiday was not celebrated in Kazakhstan since it was abolished in 2009. It was only in 2022 that President Tokayev revived the holiday, raising it to the status of a national holiday. Back then, Tokayev said it was “undeservedly forgotten.”
State Counselor Erlan Karin explained why this occasion is the nation’s main holiday.
“It was on this day in 1990 that the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Republic was adopted at the meeting of the Supreme Council of the country after six hours of heated discussions. The draft itself was developed for five months by a large group of deputies, scientists and public figures and for the first time in the history of Kazakhstan, the fundamental state document involved an active public discussion,” he wrote in his Telegram channel.
Soldiers of the National Guard. Photo credit: Presidential Press Office
The declaration proclaimed the state sovereignty of Kazakhstan and declared the political and legal foundations of Kazakhstan as an independent state. For the first time, it established important sovereign rights, such as the idea that the country’s territory within its borders cannot be divided or violated. It also emphasized the supremacy of the Constitution and laws, the institution of citizenship and the right to act as an independent player in international relations and make decisions on foreign policy independently.
“It was on Oct. 25, 1990, that the first step towards gaining our independence was taken. The Declaration of Sovereignty of the Republic became the first constitutional document in history and the basis of statehood of modern Kazakhstan,” wrote Karin.
