The national day of Kazakhstan, Independence Day, is celebrated today in the republic.
Twenty eight years ago, the Supreme Soviet of Kazakhstan passed the Constitutional Independence Law on December 16, 1991.
The holiday is celebrated for 2 days on December 16 and 17. It is marked by festivities in all the cities of the republic. A ceremony is held at the presidential palace, in which the president presents orders, decorations, and medals of Kazakhstan to distinguished citizens.
First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev congratulated Kazakh people on the Independence Day. The former President appeared on stage today with the highest orders that were awarded by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the citizens on Independence Day.
"On December 16, 1991, a new epoch in the history of Kazakhstan started. We gained new opportunities for progress and building. Our country received international recognition, built an effective system of management and a strong economy," the President posted on Twitter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message of congratulations to his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the occasion of Independence Day.
Putin pointed to "Kazakhstan’s accomplishments in the socio-economic, scientific, technical and many other areas, the country’s standing in the international arena and its constructive role in tackling topical regional and global issues."
The Russian head of state stressed that "relations between Russia and Kazakhstan were developing dynamically in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance, while bilateral cooperation in various areas and coordination of efforts within the framework of Eurasian integration processes are yielding good results."
The Russian leader was certain that Russia and Kazakhstan would continue to bolster mutually beneficial ties "for the sake of strengthening stability and security on the Eurasian continent," the press service said.
Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko has sent greetings to the Kazakh President. He noted that over the years of sovereignty Kazakhstan has achieved significant success in social, economic development and ensuring stability and harmony in the country.
"Kazakhstan has earned a considerable reputation as a responsible and respected participant of international relations that makes an important contribution to strengthening global security, advancing integration processes in Eurasia, and building a progressive society," the letter reads.
"I believe that Belarus and Kazakhstan will continue developing traditionally friendly relations that are based on mutual trust, support, and close partnership for the benefit of our nations," Lukashenko stressed.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has also sent a congratulatory letter. "On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincere congratulations to you and your people on the occasion of the national day of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Independence Day," Ilham Aliyev said in his letter to Tokayev.
"During the years of independence the brotherly Kazakhstan has made significant progress in all areas of life through dynamic and comprehensive development and built high international standing," the Azerbaijani leader stressed.
"I am convinced that the current high level of our inter-governmental relations, which stem from the will of our two nations, and our strategic partnership will continue to open wide opportunities for maintaining our cooperation successfully in all areas," reads the letter.
