Jordan Daily – Kazakhstan marked its Republic Day on Wednesday , commemorating its declaration of Sovereignty in 1991
The Central Asian country , which has the largest economy in the region, has seen rapid improvements in living standards, health and education since gaining independence.
It has also undergone significant political reforms in recent years, including constitutional amendments that redistributed power from the president to the parliament and allowed for more diverse and competitive elections.
Following is the full text of the statement made by the Kazakhstan Embassy in Amman on this special day :
Kazakhstan’s Republic Day : Celebrating Progress and Journey to Global Prominence
Every October 25, Kazakhstan commemorates Republic Day, a day of unique significance, as it marks the pivotal moment in 1991 when Kazakhstan declared its sovereignty. This declaration was more than a political statement; it signalled the nation’s commitment to its people to carve out a destiny reflecting their aspirations and cultural identity.
Today, Kazakhstan stands tall as the biggest economy in Central Asia. Since gaining sovereignty, the nation has witnessed a meteoric rise in living standards, with its citizens experiencing improved health, education, and overall quality of life.
In the realm of domestic politics, Kazakhstan’s journey since gaining sovereignty is nothing short of remarkable. Establishing a stable republic in a region historically characterized by empires and nomadic confederations was no minor achievement. The nation swiftly adopted a constitution, delineated the roles of president and parliament, and has since conducted several rounds of competitive elections. The emphasis has always been on unity in diversity, ensuring that its myriad ethnic groups find voice and representation in the nation’s political fabric.
The last few years have been especially transformative for Kazakhstan. The country has achieved substantial progress in its democratization journey, exemplified by the implementation of wide-ranging political reforms, including constitutional amendments following last year’s national referendum. These changes have enhanced the democratic fabric of the nation by enabling diverse political perspectives and by redistributing power in favour of the elected legislative body. In line with constitutional amendments, the country witnessed the direct election of rural mayors and the adoption of a proportional-majoritarian model in the last parliamentary election. This marked a significant shift in the electoral landscape of Kazakhstan, allowing for the substantial participation of independent and self-nominated candidates in the election, an occurrence that is truly unprecedented in the nation’s history.
Kazakhstan’s commitment to progress is also evident in the country’s economic story, one that has earned international acclaim. With vast reserves of oil, gas, minerals, and metals, the nation effectively leveraged its natural wealth. Strategic infrastructural developments, enticing foreign investments, and diversification initiatives propelled Kazakhstan from an agrarian landscape to become a leading economic powerhouse. The decision to establish Astana as the capital in 1997 symbolized this forward-looking vision, melding modern architectural wonders with the indomitable spirit of the steppes.
More recently, Kazakhstan has become the top investment destination in the region and a major financial centre. This is a result of concrete reforms and initiatives over the years, including the establishment of the Astana International Financial Centre. Yet the journey is far from over. In his latest state of the nation address on September 1, the country’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, proposed additional economic reforms with the aim of promoting fairness, inclusiveness, and pragmatism. He outlined objectives to diversify the economy, strengthening industry, and targeting stable economic growth of 6-7 percent. The country’s new economic plan provides a clear vision for the country’s development over the next three years and will have broader ramifications for regional development and cooperation. These economic transformations, inspired by the president’s vision of a Just Kazakhstan, aim to contribute to the creation of a more balanced, sustainable, and globally integrated economy.
On the international stage, Kazakhstan has etched a unique identity through its astute diplomatic endeavours. By championing nuclear disarmament—evidenced by the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and the relinquishing of its nuclear arsenal after the country gained independence—the nation positioned itself as a global advocate for peace. It initiated the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia in 1992, a multilateral forum aimed at promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the Asian region. Additionally, Kazakhstan has fostered regional cooperation, playing significant roles in platforms such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union. By ensuring positive relations with major powers like Russia, China, the European Union, and the US, Kazakhstan manifests as a bridge between East and West, offering a harmonizing narrative in an often-divided world.
The year 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
From the first day of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Jordan, the countries have been united by the closeness or identity of positions on major global and regional issues. The two countries effectively interact on multilateral platforms, including through the UN, OIC, and CICA, closely coordinating their actions to resolve pressing international problems. Today, Jordan is one of the most promising partners of Kazakhstan in the Arab world. Undoubtedly, such an example of cooperation became possible thanks to the strategic views of the two countries’ leaders.
The Republic of Kazakhstan highly appreciates the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s active participation in the work of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which is an important international platform created to develop dialogue between world confessions.
Kazakhstan, as well as Jordan, supports all international efforts aimed at resolving the Syrian crisis. As a neighbouring country, the Kingdom has a great responsibility to receive and accommodate hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. In this context, Kazakhstan assists Syrian refugees in Jordan. Namely, we provided humanitarian assistance to the Office of UNHCR for the Syrians living in the Zaatari camp. Moreover, we appreciate the role of Amman, which has been actively participating as an observer in the Astana process and making a significant contribution to resolving the conflict in Syria.
The progress Kazakhstan has made since its declaration of sovereignty is not just a testament to its past, but a robust foundation for its future. This foundation is fertile ground from which new innovations, deeper diplomatic ties, and further advancements in all spheres—social, political, and economic—will undoubtedly spring. The momentum generated by these achievements is poised to propel Kazakhstan even further in the coming decades, reinforcing its position as a global beacon of growth and development.
For the people of Kazakhstan, Republic Day is not just a nostalgic nod to the past, but an embodiment of their commitment to a unified and prosperous future. This day is a celebration of their resilience and vision, a vision that elevated Kazakhstan from a former Soviet republic to a beacon of progress and diplomacy on the global stage. The promise of tomorrow, illuminated by the achievements of today, ensures that Republic Day remains a celebration of not just sovereignty, but of endless possibilities.
