NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan – A new reform package will be announced next year, which will give impetus to democratic transformations in Kazakhstan in order to build a “hearing state” and to promote and reaffirm the principles of justice and equal opportunities, said the Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said an award ceremony on December 14th.
“The coming year will be a milestone for us. It will pass under the sign of the 30th anniversary of our motherland’s independence. This is the time to take stock and reflect on the journey that has been made. We will celebrate this most important date for our employees with concrete actions and new projects, ”said Tokayev. “We will move away from the format of high profile actions and pathetic events. All work is structured as pragmatically as possible. We will continue to implement comprehensive systemic measures in the areas of economy, social affairs and ecology. We will carefully consider the needs and requirements of all sections of the population, especially young people, women and people with disabilities. We are determined to continue the process of political modernization in the country, ”he added.
According to the Kazakh President, the ending year was difficult, dramatic and not standardized. “My primary responsibility as president is social justice and the growth of people’s wellbeing. Hence, the daily efforts of the state are focused on improving the quality of life of our citizens. This year we increased the amount of pensions and social benefits to around 4 million citizens. We increased social security payments by an average of 50%, ”said Tokayev.
He said the Kazakhs must mobilize all their forces and resources to increase Kazakhstan’s real competitiveness. “Today more than ever, the consolidation of the nation and the selfless service to the values of the independence of every citizen is important. We will continue our external course to strengthen the international security system and help to strengthen the role of multilateral structures and the United Nations, ”said Tokayev.
He also congratulated everyone who attended the Independence Day ceremony. The President stressed that independence is a solid foundation of our statehood and a reliable foundation of sovereignty.
On December 16 and 17, Kazakhstan celebrates Independence Day after the collapse of the USSR. These days in the republic are holidays.