The annual session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan was held under the chairmanship of the President of the country Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev. This year the event acquired a special symbolic meaning - the ANC is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
As the Head of State emphasized, over the years the Assembly has become a true symbol of peace, harmony and unity, a solid foundation for the Kazakhstani model of interethnic harmony.
In general, the Assembly has gone from being a consultative structure to one of the key socio-political institutions of the country with constitutional status. Today, at the suggestion of the ANC Council, the President of the country appoints five deputies of the Senate. The inter-chamber parliamentary group "Bir el - bir mudde" has been formed. 12 members of the Assembly work as part of the National Kurultai. All this underlines the high institutional status of the ANC and its contribution to state policy in the sphere of public accord.
As the Head of State noted, the Assembly's daily work is painstaking and responsible work, often remaining out of sight, but having enormous strategic importance. Last year alone, it organized over 15,000 events across the country, attended by about a million people.
The President of the country particularly emphasized the mission of the ANC to promote the values of labor and professionalism. The active role of the deputies of the Senate and maslikhats in honoring representatives of blue-collar professions was noted. This activity received broad public support and, as the Head of State emphasized, could become a new tradition that strengthens respect for creative activity and working people.
The President of the country reminded that the Assembly is not just a public structure, but one of the most important pillars of statehood. In this regard, the task was set to develop the Concept of Development of the APK until 2030. The new document should reflect the current tasks of consolidating Kazakhstani society, ensuring the harmonious development of all ethnic groups, protecting their rights and interests, as well as building an effective system of interaction between state institutions and the civil sector in the interethnic sphere.
The head of state outlined the need for a comprehensive analysis of existing national and regional programs in the field of interethnic policy, strengthening the role of the ANC in the regions, and scaling up the “Eldesu zhane tatulasu” project, aimed at creating a culture of tolerance and dialogue.
The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan should also become an intellectual and organizational headquarters, forming a strategy for interethnic policy and preparing substantive guidelines for all state and public activities in this most important area.
Particular attention was paid to the fundamental principles of equality and justice. As the Head of State noted, Kazakhstan is a country where there is no place for discrimination on ethnic, linguistic or religious grounds. All citizens have equal rights and opportunities. This is the practical implementation of the concept of Fair Kazakhstan.
The country's president stressed that it is necessary to avoid hasty populist decisions and always focus on the real situation, which requires balanced approaches and thoughtful steps.
It was emphasized that in Kazakhstan no one has the right to impose on citizens what language they should speak in everyday life, and any attempts to use the language issue to incite conflicts will be strictly suppressed.
In his speech, the Head of State also drew attention to the role of Kazakhstan in promoting a global dialogue of cultures and religions. In the context of growing international contradictions, a crisis of trust and the growth of extremist sentiments, the importance of creative initiatives aimed at strengthening mutual understanding between peoples is especially growing.
The head of state emphasized that Kazakhstan, for more than two decades, remains a platform for open dialogue between representatives of various religions. This fall, Astana will host the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions - a major international event designed to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue and harmony at the international level.
The President of the country noted the importance of developing spiritual diplomacy as a powerful tool for ensuring trust, a humanistic approach and responsible decisions in international relations. In addition, the need for active use of the potential of people's diplomacy, based on direct interpersonal communication and interaction, was emphasized.
In conclusion of his speech, the Head of State once again emphasized that ethnic diversity is our common heritage and strategic advantage. Unity, trust, respect and responsibility are the values on which the policy aimed at strengthening internal stability and harmony, as well as sustainable development of Kazakhstan is built.
Congratulating the Assembly on its thirtieth anniversary, the President of the country noted that only unity and solidarity allow us to confidently move forward, protect the interests of the country and build a strong state.
The Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan will actively participate in the implementation of all tasks set by the Head of State. Senators will continue to work on creating a reliable legislative base necessary to strengthen public harmony in the country, protect the rights of all citizens and build a Fair and prosperous Kazakhstan.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
