Marking the 20th Anniversary of Kazakhstan's Independence

President Nazarbayev,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to convey greetings to the Government and people of Kazakhstan on the occasion of your country’s twentieth anniversary of independence.

The word “Kazakh” is derived from an ancient Turkic word that means “independent” or “free spirited”. It is therefore fitting that, since gaining independence, Kazakhs have demonstrated great initiative in turning Kazakhstan into a regional force in many areas.

Few countries are as firm as Kazakhstan in promoting nuclear disarmament. The Semipalatinsk nuclear test-site, which I had the honour to visit last year, serves as a grim reminder to us all of the damage these weapons can do. That is why the establishment of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia was such an important contribution to global peace and security. Kazakhstan also spearheaded the establishment of the International Day against Nuclear Testing – to be observed every 29 August, as proclaimed by the UN General Assembly. I am grateful for Kazakhstan’s steadfast commitment to work towards the goal of a world free from nuclear weapons.

In addition to its successful chairmanships of regional and international organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Kazakhstan is actively engaged on an issue of extreme importance on today’s world: interethnic harmony and inter-religious dialogue. The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is a welcome Kazakh initiative that can help promote tolerance, moderation and mutual understanding between cultures, traditions and faiths. I encourage Kazakhstan to continue these efforts, and I assure you that the United Nations will continue its work to safeguard the security, dignity and well-being of all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, culture, religious or other beliefs.

Kazakhstan has made noteworthy progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. I urge the Government and its partners to spare no effort in reaching the expanded targets outlined in Kazakhstan’s MDG+ agenda.

Like other countries in Central Asia, Kazakhstan faces the problems of cross-border crime, such as drug-trafficking and terrorist activities. The United Nations will continue to support efforts to counter these threats, including through the continued work of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre located in Almaty and funded by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. We are also strongly committed to helping the countries of the region to ensure that progress in promoting the rule of law and human rights is not stalled or reversed in the process.

The management of water and energy resources and environmental degradation also remain divisive issues in Central Asia. Regional cooperation is thus critically important. The UN system, including the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, will continue to promote joint initiatives and approaches that address these issues comprehensively, in integrated fashion, for the benefit of all.

Congratulations again on this important anniversary. Please accept my best wishes for a prosperous, democratic and successful Kazakhstan. I look forward to our continued close cooperation.