'Such large-scale changes have never happened before' – Tokayev on reforms in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with the speakers of the parliaments of the member countries of TurkPA, according to Akorda.

Tokayev welcomed the heads of parliaments of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States and emphasized the importance of the meeting.

"The Parliamentary Assembly is an important political structure that Kazakhstan fully supports. As the former Chairman of the Senate, I actively contributed to the development of inter-parliamentary ties. The Assembly's joint efforts strengthen Turkic solidarity and enhance the international authority of the Turkic world. Kazakhstan is interested in further rapprochement and cooperation among Turkic peoples," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President stated that Kazakhstan supports the initiatives of the Parliamentary Assembly and is ready to contribute to Turkic integration.

“Kazakhstan is one of the founding members of the Organization of Turkic States and considers it crucial for economic, cultural, and humanitarian development. Last year, during our chairmanship under the slogan ‘Turktime’, we held around 100 events that enhanced Turkic integration. The 5th World Nomad Games took place in Astana, and the unified writing system of the Turkic alphabet was approved — a significant historical step,” added the Head of State.

He recalled that a decision was made to appoint permanent representatives to the Organization of Turkic States, and that ties have expanded in the areas of trade and economy, energy, finance, and investment.

“The Turkic Investment Fund is functioning effectively, contributing to Turkic integration. Kazakhstan highly values the outcomes of the summits and supports the implementation of the agreements. The recent summit of leaders in Hungary was productive, and we are interested in continuing this path. In this regard, I proposed holding the next summit in Turkistan,” said the President.

Tokayev also spoke about the comprehensive political and socio-economic reforms implemented in Kazakhstan in recent years.

“As a result of the referendum, Kazakhstan transitioned to a new system: ‘Strong President – Influential Parliament – Accountable Government.’ The president is elected for a single seven-year term, the powers of Parliament have been expanded, human rights protection has been strengthened, and the Constitutional Court was established. For the first time, district akims are being elected directly by the people, and 90% of maslikhat deputies are elected in single-member districts. These are unprecedented changes in the country’s political life,” said Tokayev.

The Head of State named the ultimate goal as building a Just Kazakhstan, based on the principle of “Law and Order.”

“An integral part of this idea is the implementation of the 'Clean Kazakhstan' concept. It is not only about cleanliness, but about renewing our lifestyle and the values of our people. During meetings with the population, especially with the youth, I always say that the future of our country is in the hands of the younger generation. And this is indeed true. Therefore, I urge the youth to be conscientious, intelligent, open-minded, secular, and responsible,” said the President.