Kazakhstan’s way - a unique development model

 

- Mr. President, you were reelected this April. Why did you decide to hold early presidential elections?

- It was caused by the real situation. Late last year a large group of Kazakhstanis offered to hold a referendum on the extension of my presidential term until 2020 and they were backed by over five million citizens. All democratic forces supported the initiative and created a coalition "Kazakhstan-2020".

The parliament passed a relevant law. However, the Constitutional Council found it to be unconstitutional, although it did not deny possible referendum.

As the head of state, I am the guarantor of the basic law and must see to its observation. The referendum could create a precedent that would set wrong goals for next generations of Kazakh politicians. I could not let it because my goal is to build a democratic Kazakhstan.

At the same time, as an elected President, I have no right to ignore the opinion of the majority of voters who supported the idea of a referendum. Under those circumstances, the only right thing, consistent both with the Constitution and the will of the people, was early elections.

Significantly, they were held in the year of the 20th anniversary of our Independence. The results of the election campaign became an objective assessment of the passed road. At this important historical moment our people voted for the policy of peace and creation.

- Mr. President, how did you manage to make Kazakhstan the center of stability with harmonious and multicultural society?

- The history of our independence is a chronicle of friendship of all ethnicities. The preservation of peace, harmony and stability in society is a main achievement of Kazakhstan. We put into life the principles of tolerance, harmony and tolerance that have become fundamental priorities of the state policy.

We managed to create an optimal model of relations between all ethnic groups in the difficult conditions. It is based on mutual understanding, patriotism and civil responsibility for the fate of the country. Equality of all ethnic groups is enshrined in our legislation.

We have established a unique socio-political institution - Kazakhstan People's Assembly. It has a constitutional status and the right to elect deputies to the parliament. Over the years the Assembly has become a core institution of national cohesion.

Today the Republic of Kazakhstan is a common home to 140 ethnicities and people of 46 faiths living peacefully in it. They work in public service, in business, science, show their talents in sports and arts, making Kazakhstan known in the world.

We have never had conflicts on ethnic or religious grounds. Inter-ethnic and inter-confessional accord is the foundation to ensure our success in the political, economic and social areas, to allow dynamic large-scale reforms. Over 20 years of independence we have created our unique, friendly Kazakh family.

- Kazakhstan is the most successful country in Central Asia. How did your country develop into a leading regional power in terms of economy and politics?

- Kazakhstan can boast great results over the past years. "Kazakhstan's Way" is a unique and productive model of development known worldwide. Our country is a most prosperous one among the newly independent countries. International experts and leaders of major countries recognize our successful experience in reform.

We are moving forward in accordance with the Strategy "Kazakhstan-2030". This document, adopted in 1997, clearly outlines long-term goals of the state and specifies ways to achieve them.

In addition we have a series of long-term development programs. Under way is the program for accelerated industrial-innovative development, development programs in business education, health, tourism, culture and many others.

Today our main task is economic modernization. Last year we commissioned over 150 new industrial facilities worth 800 billion tenge. In the next two years, another 300 projects worth more than 8.1 trillion tenge will be implemented.

I believe that fulfillment of all of its plans will enable Kazakhstan to strengthen its leading position in the region and join the ranks of the world's 50 most competitive countries.

The present level of development allows active democratic reforms. Our efforts in this direction were recognized by the last year's OSCE chairmanship. Kazakhstan has a reputation for an open and secure state, which we are set to boost.

- You are pursuing a multi-vector diplomatic policy. What prompted you to adopt this model? How close is it to the ethno-cultural characteristics of the "Kazakh soul"?

- Friendliness, openness and hospitality are main features of the Kazakh mentality. We are ready to build trust-based relations with everyone seeking equal and mutually beneficial partnership.

Kazakhstan occupies a strategic position lying in the heart of Eurasia. We take this into account, implementing our foreign policy.

Our country is working closely with many leading countries. For Russia, China, USA and the EU, Kazakhstan is a strategic partner, especially in their interaction with Central Asia.

Our foreign policy is aimed at ensuring peace and stability throughout Eurasia. That's why we have completely given up nuclear weapons, and actively promoted the idea of creating a nuclear-free zone in Central Asia.

Kazakhstan holds regular Congresses of World and Traditional Religions. Our capital Astana has become an ideal venue for global interfaith dialogue. Balanced and peaceful foreign policy of Kazakhstan has earned it an international reputation as a responsible and reliable partner. Chairmanship of the OSCE and OIC is a natural result of our long-term creative work. Today Kazakhstan is a "bridge" of friendship and cooperation between Europe and Asia. We are located at the crossroads of two ancient cultures. Therefore, our country has a special mission - to promote the convergence of countries and peoples.

- What is the main outcome of Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the OSCE and the Astana summit? What are the challenges facing Kazakhstan at the helm of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation?

- As the OSCE chairman, Kazakhstan did a good job and showed good results. We have given fresh impetus to the organization, drew its attention to the need for promoting a dialogue among civilizations, to economic and environmental problems in Central Asia. The Astana-hosted summit of OSCE member states first in 11 years was a really outstanding event.

It resulted in the Astana Declaration "Towards a security community" that defined a new vector of the OSCE development - the building of Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian community of united and indivisible security.

In Astana we moved onto a new level of cooperation in broader coordinates than before - "from ocean to ocean". We need to systematically resolve contradictions and build confidence and integrate this vast space.

Now the West states the failure of the policy of multiculturalism. But, as Henry Ford used to say, people capitulate more frequently than suffer defeat. I believe that work in this direction should be continued. And during Kazakhstan's presidency in the OIC, it will continue the policy of rapprochement between East and West. We also oppose the spread of Islamophobia in the world and advocate the strengthening of global and regional security. An important aspect of the work is anti-nuclear activities.

All these issues are relevant. They will have a direct impact on human development in the XXI century. Kazakhstan is a very responsible chairman of the OIC.

kazpravda.kz