He was born on July 6, 1940 in the village of Chemolgan, Kaskelen District, Almaty region. In 1967 graduated from the Highest Technical Educational Institution at the Karaganada Metallurgic Works.

He is a Doctor in Economics, Academician of the National Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, International Academy of Engineering, Russian Federation Academy of Social Sciences, Honorable Professor of the Kazakh State National University of Al-Farabi, Honorable Member of the Academy of Science of the Republic of Belarus, Honorable Professor of the Lomonosov Moscow State University.

From 1960 to 1969, worked at the Karaganda Metallurgical Works.
From 1969 to 1973, he was involved in the Party and Komsomol work in Temirtau of the Karaganda region. From 1973 to 1977, he was a secretary of the party committee at the Karaganda Metallurgic Works.

From 1977 to 1979, served as secretary, second secretary of the Regional Committee of the Party in Karaganda.

From 1979 to 1984, served as Secretary of the Committee of the Communist Party of the Republic of Kazakhstan. From 1984 to 1989, he was a Chairman of the Ministers Council of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.

From 1989 to 1991, served as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan. From February to April 1990, he concurrently served as Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.

Since April 1990 he is a President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

On December 1, 1991 the first national presidential elections were held where Nursultan Nazarbayev had been supported by 98.7 per cent of electors.

On April 29, 1995 the powers of the President Nursultan Nazarbayev have been prolonged till 2000 as a result of the national referendum.

On January 10, 1999 was elected the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the alternative basis with 79.78 per cent of electors.

On December 4, 2005 was again elected President of the Republic of Kazakhstan supported by 91.15 per cent of electors.

The Chairman of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan.

The Supreme Commander in Chief of the Armed Services of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Chairman of the World Association of Kazakhs.

Nursultan Nazarbayev is married to Sara Alpysovna. She chairs the ‘Bobek’ International Children Charitable Fund.

The President has three daughters. Dariga is a Doctor in Political Science. Dinara is chairing the Nursultan Nazarbayev Educational Fund. Aliya is a businesswoman, chairing the Elitstroy construction company.

May 5, 1997, By virtue of his decree, Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, President of Italy, Head of the Order “Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana” (For Merits to the Italian Republic), awarded N.Nazarbayev with the Cavaliere di Gran Croce (Grand Cross Cavalier) decorated with large ribbon. The Head of the Republic of Kazakhstan was entered into the list of the Grand Cross Cavalier holders of the East.

October 14, 1997, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Order of Yaroslav Mudryi (Yaroslav the Wise Order), First Degree – the highest award of Ukraine – for prominent contribution into development of Ukraine-Kazakhstan cooperation.

October 12, 1998, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Order of Sviatoy Apostl Andrei Pervozvannyi (Saint Andrew, the First Called Apostle) - the highest national award of Russian Federation - for his personal contribution into strengthening friendship and cooperation between peoples of Russia and Kazakhstan.

October 31, 1998, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Order Buyuk Hizmatlari Uchun (For Great Merits) – high award of the Republic of Uzbekistan – for his great contribution into development of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, expansion of historically rooted Uzbek-Kazakh cultural, spiritual and economic ties and strengthening good-neighborliness between peoples of the two countries.

November 11, 1999, Emil Constantinescu, President of the Republic of Romania awarded President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev with the Order Steaua Romaniei (The Star of Romania) – highest award of the Republic of Romania – as acknowledgement of this great contribution to development of mutual understanding, peace and cooperation between Romania and Kazakhstan.

March 3, 2000 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev was awarded with Das Große Goldene Ehrenzeichen mit dem Stern für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich (Grand Decoration of Honor in Gold with Star for Services ato the Republic of Austria) for prominent contribution into strengthening economic, political and cultural ties between Austria and Kazakhstan.

May 11, 2000 President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus awarded President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev with the Order of Vytautas the Great, First Degree for merits and personal contribution into development of relations between Lithuania and Kazakhstan.

July 6, 2000 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Order of Ismoili Somoni for great contribution into expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation, friendship and traditionally brotherly relations between peoples of Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, for contribution into establishment of peace in Tajikistan and for continued efforts towards uniting the CIS peoples.

November 15, 2000, Queen of the United Kingdom Elizabeth II awarded President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev with the Order of the Knight of the Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George as acknowledgement of his contribution into nonproliferation of nuclear weapons.

July 16, 2001 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Basilikon tagma toi soteros (Order of the Redeemer), Highest Degree – first award of the Republic of Greece.

July 18, 2001 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Great Order of King Tomislav with the Ribbon and Great Star – the highest national award of the Republic of Croatia – for his contribution into development of friendly relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

May 22, 2002 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Honorary Order of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia – the highest state award of the Republic of Slovenia – as acknowledgement of his contribution into strengthening friendly relations between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

May 24, 2002 in Warsaw President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Order Orla Bialego (Order of the White Eagle) – high order of the Republic of Poland – as acknowledgment of his special contribution into development of cooperation between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

March 3, 2004, the Crown Prince of the Saudi Arabia Abdallah Ibn Abdel Aziz awarded N.A. Nazarbayev with the Great Badr Chain – highest award of the Kingdom, which is only granted to heads of Muslim states for the merits in the realm of external and internal policy. President Nazarbayev was awarded for his great contribution into development of relations between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. He was the first CIS leader to be granted this award.

November 13, 1996 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Order of Sviatoy Blagoverniy Kniyaz Daniil Moskovskiy (Blessed St. Daniel, Prince of Moscow), First Degree – award of the Russian Orthodox Church – for his commendable activities to restore historic justice – brining back sacred things of the Russian Orthodox Church.

October 11, 2001 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with the Order of Pius IX – highest award of Vatican for heads of foreign states – for “expertise and talent in leading” his state and as a gratitude for warm reception in Astana.

In 1992 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was conferred the Capri Award as a distinguished political leader for his great contribution into development and consolidation of a new political, economic and social system in one of the most important CIS republics.

In 1993 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was conferred the title of the Man of the Year by the Rukhaniyat International Foundation for Spiritual Renascence.

June 22, 1996 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev received an award of the Crans Montana Forum for his contribution into the progress development.

July 6, 1997, the star with registration number Perseus RA 3h 23v Osd 40* 43 in Star Mapper International Star Name Database, entered into the US-based International Astronomic Registry Vol. 5 was dedicated to N.A.Nazarbayev.

May 9, 1998 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev received the award "For International Understanding" of the India-based Unity International Foundation.

September 22, 1998, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was delivered the Diploma of Honorary Citizen of Bukharest Municipality and symbolic keys to the city.

December 28, 1998, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev received the award “For Contribution into Development of Relations among the Turkic peoples” on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

January 5, 1999, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded with The Banner of Peace – an official symbol of the first international pact for the protection of the treasures of human genius signed into existence in 1935 in Washington (Roerich Pact).

June 8, 1999, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev received the award "For Service to Turkish world", 1998 of the Türk Dünyası Yazarlar ve Sanatçılar Vakfı (Turkic World Writers and Artists Foundation).

February 26, 2002 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev received the international award of Khodja Akhmed Yassaui for his special contribution into strengthening Kazakh-Turk relations.

June 10, 2003 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev was awarded the gold medal “For Contribution into Development of CIS” and the rank of the International Laureate of respective Prize.

September 7, 2004 President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev received the International Maimonides Prize for his contribution into development of the dialog of civilizations. The prize was awarded by the international committee for awarding of this prize consisting of representatives of leading Jewish organizations and communities of the world. Kazakhstan President N.Nazarbayev became the first laureate of this prize.

October 5, 2004, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev was awarded with the Order of Petr Velikiy (Peter the Great), First Degree - the highest award of the Russian Federation – for economic upturn of the country and strengthening of friendship with Russia.

Academic degree and honorary titles

Doctor of Economics 1992, in the Russian Federation State Academy of Management in Moscow Mr. Nazarbayev presented a thesis on Strategy of Resources Saving in Transit to Market Economy. 1993, Member of the International Academy of Engineering February 1994, Member of the Russian Federation Academy of Social Sciences

1995, Member of the National Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

March 24, 1999 President N.Nazarbayev was awarded a diploma of Member of the International Academy of Informatization.

October 26, 1999 President N.Nazarbayev was awarded a diploma of Member of the International Academy of Technology and the Prize Gold Atlant.

Honorable professor of the Kazakh State University of Al-Farabi January 1996, Honorable Member of the Academy of Science of the Republic of Belarus

May 14, 1996 President N.Nazarbayev was awarded a diploma of Honorable Professor of Lomonosov Moscow State University and a respective badge.

December 1997, President N.Nazarbayev was elected Honorable Member of the National Academy of Applied Sciences of the Russian Federation.

June 15, 1998 President N.Nazarbayev was awarded the rank of Honorable Doctor of Political Sciences of Bilkent University (Ankara).

April 30, 2002 President N.Nazarbayev was awarded a diploma of Honorable Member of the Islamic Academy of Sciences.

December 24, 2002 N.Nazarbayev was awarded the rank of Honorable Doctor of the University of Beijing.

June 26, 2003 N.Nazarbayev was awarded Honorary Degree in Applied Technologies of the University of Technology, South Alberta (Canada) for his far-sightedness in heading the development of energy sector of Kazakhstan and his remarkable contribution into technical education of Kazakhstan citizens.

April 22, 2004 N.Nazarbayev was awarded the academic robes of the Honorable Professor of Cambridge University

George Walker Bush,
President of the United States:

“Dear Mr. President! Under your leadership, Kazakhstan has become one of the world’s leaders in non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The United States is also grateful for Kazakhstan’s steadfast friendship and solidarity in the Global War on Terrorism, particularly the outstanding service of the KAZBAT detachment in Iraq”.

“Dear Mr. President!

I greet civil and religious leaders who have gathered today in Astana to take part in the Congress of World and Traditional National Religions. The United States is strong in its support of the purpose of the Congress, which is to consolidate inter-confessional understanding to develop freedom of faith and eradicate the causes of terrorism.

I congratulate you and the people of Kazakhstan with organization of this significant campaign.

For the multinational and multi-confessional United States such meetings are of special value and they underline the importance of cooperation with our friends, the Central Asia for advance of the value of tolerance and respect, which form the basis of democracy.

Hu Jintao,

in 2002 – Deputy Chairman of the People’s Republic of China:

“Due to joint efforts of Jiang Zemin and Nursultan Nazarbayev, bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China and Kazakhstan are marked with positive trends towards expansion. Political mutual trust between the two countries reached an unprecedently high level”.

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation:

“I highly appreciate the idea of the Eurasian Economic Community (EuroAsEC) – first entries into the history of which are just being made after signing of a respective document – proposed by Mr. Nazarbayev. Such an initiative can be an example of prolific cooperation of states.

I want to congratulate Nursultan Abishevich on inking the agreement on changing the status of the Customs Union, that is on creating a fundamentally new international organization. It had been also proposed by him”.

“The deep and comprehensive analysis of the country development for over the last decade cited in Your Address to the Nation illustrates the large-scaled reforms and multi-faceted work carried out by You in this realm.

Kazakhstan’s practices are well worth the most careful study.

We praise the multi-directional cooperation and interaction in all the spheres being maintained between Russia and Central Asia states. We are interested in every possible strengthening of such cooperation both on bilateral and multilateral basis, within the frameworks of the CIS, Eurasian Economic Community, Common Economic Space, Collective Security Treaty Organization, Shanghai Organization for Cooperation, Central Asia Cooperation Organization.

I strongly believe that our countries will remain active and consistent proponents and participants of these integrations”.

Anthony Charles Lynton Blair,

Prime-Minister of Great Britain:

“I wish I could be present with you today; I am writing to pass on my congratulations on the occasion of significant achievements in oil export to the world markets from the Karachaganak oil-and-gas condensate fields. The success of this historic project will be extremely beneficial for both countries.

Completion of the second phase at this mammoth oil field is an important milestone. I welcome close and effective cooperation between the Consortium, Kazakhstan government and KazMunaiGaz.

I am particularly glad that the BG Group and other British companies play a major role in the oil-and-gas industry of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has a bright future. Great Britain intends to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in the years to come”.

“Since the time of winning back its independence Kazakhstan has achieved significant economic progress.

At the time being, development of a transparent and open market-oriented investment climate is of utmost importance. This will allow consolidating the results already achieved by Kazakhstan and will set a palmary example for other countries of Central Asia…

I know that British companies appreciate their investments into Kazakhstan economy and are searching for new investment opportunities”.

Jaques Chirac, President of the Republic of France:

“It is with great pleasure that I recollect our meetings…

…I would like to stress that France views the changes that have taken place since 1991 as significant and crucial. Under uncertain and complicated conditions, Your country took the irreversible way of building up a nation which from then on has been committed not only to its values and history, but also to fundamental principles of democracy and those of rule-of-law state.

For the 15 years Kazakhstan has become a state with stable institutes and dynamic economy.

It has become a member of the international community, recognizing its responsibilities both at the regional and international levels which is being testified by Your multiple initiatives, including the initiatives to summon the Conference for Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, to maintain dialogue among religions and cultures; and France has been always expressed its solidarity with the initiatives.

Kazakhstan has got over a long way and has all the rights to be proud.

You are wise saying that it was merely one of many stages. I am pleased to see Your commitment to the reforms which You view as necessary to make Kazakhstan a modern state and realize its ambitions in the international arena.

As You have stressed, in the socio-economic realm, especially with the view of forthcoming accession into the WTO, Kazakhstan has to keep up opening its economy, removing the administrative barriers, aggressively struggling against corruption and has to ensure access to high-quality education for its citizens as well as social protection.

It is no less important, that in the realm of political reforms You want the Constitution adopted in 1995 to irreversibly set up political pluralism, guarantee gradual decentralization of state power, support the civil society, strengthen independence of judges and ensure freedom of media.

One of the major points of Your Address to the Nation is that prosperity and stability of Kazakhstan are leveraged by ambitious plans related to regional cooperation within Central Asia, with the cooperation resting upon equitable and mutually beneficial relations. For my country which was an advocate of the Union of European states it only remains to express our support to Your initiative of forming a Union of Central Asia States.

When facing challenges, Kazakhstan leadership can – as always – rely on France support.

I want our bilateral relationship which has been facilitated by the positive progress Your country has achieved for the last 15 years to be fruitful in the spheres involved.

I once again express my appreciation of Your confidence and invitation to meet with You in the nearest time; please, accept my assurances of my highest esteem to You, Mr. President”.

Gerhard Schroeder, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany:

“Kazakhstan is a key country of the region. Through the policy of good-neighbourliness, Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev contributed to making Kazakhstan a stabilizing factor in Central Asia.

Germany supports Kazakhstan's efforts exerted to ensure stability in the region, in particular in the frameworks of the Conference for Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Kazakhstan and Germany share common views on many issues of foreign policy. Germany supports Kazakhstan's bid for chairmanship in the OSCE in 2009”.

 
“Kazakhstan is a stabilizing factor in volatile Central Asia – in economic, culture and political realms. Your president has been committed to multi-lateral cooperation which has been successfully developed here due to efforts exerted by Kazakhstan”.
 

Konstantinos Stefanopulos, President of Greece:

“I have been deeply impressed by the Republic of Kazakhstan and its president N. Nazarbayev.

Greece intends to expand trade and economic ties. The brightest prospects for cooperation are in such promising spheres as energy, shipbuilding, communications, tourism, completion of a transit corridor to link Europe and Asia”.

Milan Kucan, President of Slovenia:

“Kazakhstan is a CIS leader in terms of economic reforms. And macroeconomic indexes attained by the republic deserve admiration and high estimation”.

Seyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran:

“I view holding such an imposing international forum as an important step towards mutual understating and peaceful co-existence. I greet His Excellency N.A. Nazarbayev, highly esteemed President of the Republic of Kazakhstan who undertook the initiative of holding such a pivotal event”.

Kim Dae-Jung, President of the Republic of Korea:

“Successful implementation of democratic, political and economic reforms is testified to by wide acknowledgement of them by the world community. Under the leadership of Kazakhstan President N. Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan has been developing in multiple directions”.

“I am convinced that cooperation between Kazakhstan and the South Korea has been expanded largely owing to Your personal intent interest and desire to interact with the South Korea. I am sure that accession of Kazakhstan into the WTO will facilitate growth of trade and investments between the two countries and will intensify development of the multilateral trade system”.

Fahd bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia:

“Your Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev, peace be to you, grace and blessings from Allah! I call on the Almighty Allah to confer success and progress on your Excellency and the delegates of the International Congress of World and Traditional Religions being held in Astana.

It is with joy that I welcome you and your initiative of staging this World Congress, which is being held at a time when every nation and people are looking for peace, to be free from war, conflict, hatred and discrimination, and are striving for joint resolution of humanity’s problems and for the establishment of peace and security.

The dialogue, which you have elected as a method of achieving mutual understanding between representatives of different cultures, religious and public leaders, is the most successful way of securing co-operation in the world.

Concerted effort to reach peace through dialogue will provide security for all of us, and will help to prevent conflicts in the global community, will remove the causes of intercultural conflict and will unite efforts to solve humanity’s problems, and above all the problems of terrorism”.

Mikhail Fradkov, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation:

“Address of the Kazakhstan President to the Nation generated great interest; the Address calls all the power structures for pursuing a single policy intended to significantly raise the wellbeing of the Kazakhstan population. I am sure that the integrated potential of the Eurasian cooperation will be used to its full and provide a significant effect.

And the role of Kazakhstan President has been pivotal in this.

He is not only an outstanding public figure of nowadays, but also a person capable of addressing issues that reflect vital interests of ordinary people.

What is being done in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the realm of economic development and social issues sets a good example to be followed by our countries; a positive experience to be exchanged”.

Ariel Sharon, Prime-Minister of Israel:

“Your Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev!

In this most important hour for world society, I have to applaud you because you brought the regional leaders together to affirm the common dedication to fight against any form of extremism and terrorism.

Inviting leaders of the main religious organizations of both the EU and the USA to the Congress being hosted by Almaty as well as your personal efforts to promote dialogue among various religions give promise that religion will serve reconciliation, rather than conflicts.

Through our determination to get united to combat powers of darkness we want to guarantee a better life for our countries and descendants”.

Islam Karimov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

“In Uzbekistan you are known as an outstanding public figure who at the crucial point of Kazakhstani history took charge of political, economic and social reforms.

In Uzbekistan you are regarded as a true friend of our people; your contribution to the dynamic development of relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan cannot be overestimated.

Relations between our states and peoples have been always based on shared history, congeniality of our culture, languages and religion. We have lived side by side for centuries, and I hope we will keep friendly relations for ever. Good will, expectations and thoughts of our peoples are a solid foundation for further development of comprehensive mutually beneficial relations.

The past years have shown that our partnership targeted at achieving our common goal – that is to provide peace, stability and security within the region – serves the interests of both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan”.

Emomali Rakhmonov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan:

“Openness, sincerity, appeal and humanity – these attributes are congenital to Nursultan Abishevich. Consciousness of high responsibility before the Kazakhstani people, before the history never leaves him.

A great organizer, he was able to turn Kazakhstan into a well-developed state in the post-Soviet territory. Success story of Kazakhstan in socio-economic realm can be used as an example to follow. It is only a true leader that can achieve such results; and therefore Nursultan Abishevich is an undoubted leader of his nation.

He surely deserves to be acknowledged as one of the most authoritative public leaders both within the CIS and in the international arena”.

Ilkham Aliev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan:

“Consistent and sound policy pursued by the Kazakhstani leadership intended to ensure peaceful interaction within the region makes a significant contribution to regional security maintenance.

As Kazakhstan built its capacities, it has been turning into a powerful nation.

That is why its role and meaning in providing solutions to problems of regional scale will strengthen, and we will be glad to see them strengthening”.

“I have seen the new capital and was impressed by the pace of its construction, by the beauty being created.

President Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev made a great personal contribution: through mobilizing efforts of all the Kazakhstan people he had a new city, a new capital, created.

Other successes of Kazakhstan are also perceived in Azerbaijan in a way our own achievements are. Our nations and peoples have always been close and brotherly. And we always joy in your successes. I want to wish new advances, peace and prosperity to the people of Kazakhstan”.

Mikheil Saakashvili, President of the Republic of Georgia:

“Dear Nursultan Abishevich!

Let me express my gratitude to You and all the people of Kazakhstan for support that You have always rendered to Georgia in times of hardships. I am sure that our joint efforts targeted at expanding cooperation between the two states will find a commendable continuation for the common good of brotherly peoples of Kazakhstan and Georgia.

As it is of utmost importance to us to expand multifaceted mutually beneficial relations with Your country, I want once again to express satisfaction with the fact that in Your person, Nursultan Abishevich, Georgia has a reliable friend and partner”.

Sincerely Yours, Mikheil Saakashvili

“Kazakhstan is demonstrating terrific growth rates. This is a golden age in the history of your country. The country which ranked among the most lagged former Soviet Republics in terms of the living standards just prior to the Soviet Union disintegration, Kazakhstan is now a clear-cut leader in many economic indexes.

I attribute much of the Kazakhstan successes to the policy pursued by N. Nazarbayev. There are people who are looking 100-200 years ahead in order to build a nation which will be a fortune and a great achievement for grand- and greatgrandchildren”.

“Talking to Your President is very pleasant to me. It is noteworthy that in the course of my visit to Kazakhstan I was invited to speak at a university and before the Parliament.

Not every CIS country will dare invite a rose revolution leader to speak at a University. This testifies to the foresight and openness of the Kazakhstan leadership. …When in 2004 I first met with Nursultan Abishevich in Istanbul, he said the following: “have the things done on time, because the nation is not going to love you for ever”. I agree with this statement. …the most important point is to leave something great behind yourself. The current leadership already has much to leave for the descendants. First of all, it is a strong state which cannot be destroyed by anything. Secondly, these are fruitful economic reforms.

The national banking system is the most sophisticated in the CIS; Kazakhstan enjoys the most liberal taxation system and the fastest development of infrastructure projects. Kazakhstan has become a paragon – and not only for us”.

Jiang Zemin, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China:

“For the 10 years since winning back its independence, under the leadership of Your Excellency, Kazakhstan has seen rapid revival and steady upturn, which are witnessed by significant success in nation building and economic advancement.

Being a friendly neighbor of Kazakhstan, we joy in Kazakhstan’s successes with all our heart. We hope and are sure that down the road of its further development, Kazakhstan will demonstrate greater viability, and the people of Kazakhstan will achieve greater success in building their nation”.
 

Mikhail Gorbachev, ex-president of the USSR:

“President Nazarbayev and his proponents reached the decision to renounce the nuclear arsenal and turn Kazakhstan into a non-nuclear power under tough conditions, in the times of major turning points in the history of post-Soviet states. Kazakhstan leadership had to deal with criticism and lack of understanding.

But relying on the people’s will, President Nazarbayev took a step which can be considered as a significant contribution to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation regimes maintenance, to global security. His act has set an example of responsibility and courage to be followed by other leaders when addressing large-scaled problems of great importance to international security”.

Margaret Tatcher, Prime-Minister of Great Britain:

“Watching the events happening in Kazakhstan and in the entire region I cannot stop wondering at the progress achieved. After our last meeting a lot of events have occurred that changed our perspectives. I know that the terrorism abatement is also important for the people of your country, as well as for us and your support in the struggle against terrorists and the regimes hosting them was unlimited.

I am continuing to read reports on economic and political successes, reached by Kazakhstan and about new opportunities that are opening for your people.

A transformation of both the economy and the state has never been an easy affair. Patience and consistency are needed, but their results are obvious for all. Today you are laying foundation of a better life for generations to come. Whatever are the obstacles you meet waiting for you ahead, keep committed to your goals and you will prevail”.

“I welcome Kazakhstan’s initiative in calling such an impressive number of representatives from different confessions to discuss problems we encounter today.

History knows too many conflicts and too many tragedies caused by religious reasons. By reaching a better understanding between different confessions we, as I hope, will be able to avoid distrust that is used by some people as a ground to incense hate and violence. This Congress is a vital step in developing new contacts between people, and I hope this Forum will become a starting point for future exchanges of that kind.

No other country could become a better venue for holding such a forum than Kazakhstan. Since gaining independence, your sound policy has led the country along the way to freedom. Pessimists must have thought that your country’s ethnic and religious diversity could become a ground for feuds and thus weaken Kazakhstan. However, it turned the other way round. Kazakhstan prospers because of its diversity, and it has become stronger thanks to its rich traditions and confessions. You are a paragon for others”.

Hans-Dietrich Genscher, Ex-Vice Chancellor of Germany:

“President Nazarbayev proposed decisive initiatives in order to match together two opposing sides in a very tough period. It is a great achievement which testifies to high responsibility awareness and mastered statecraft of Kazakhstan’s President.

Kazakhstan’s initiatives showed clearly that a new world order can be only put in place based on equality of rights of larger and smaller states”.

“I express my deepest gratitude to Kazakhstan President for his initiative of holding the Congress of World and Traditional Religions.

The Congress of World and Traditional Religions is a major contribution to establishing an active dialogue between cultures and religions. It provides an excellent opportunity for discussions and exchange of ideas on issues that are of special concern to us at the turning of a new century.

The clash of cultures, which some are predicting, is in no way inevitable. Moreover, the issue is of joint creation of a peaceful and just world order, in which the coexistence of cultures and religions will be regarded as a mutual benefit rather than as a threat. The new world order should be accompanied by a spirit of equality and justice and be defined by fundamental values of an individual. These include the dignity of man and his own cultural identity, which is reflected in respect for other cultures.

Suleyman Demirel, President of the Republic of Turkey:

“For the rest of my life I will be recollecting with warmest feelings the close brotherly relations that once tied me and You, my dear Brother, and warm impressions of visits I paid to brotherly Kazakhstan when holding the positions of Prime Minister and President.

Together, we worked in a period of great changes in history”.

Kofi Annan, UN General Secretary:

“Kazakhstan is different from some other CIS states in that peace and stability prevail in here and that the country has seen economic growth.

Kazakhstan can serve as a model state wherein various nations peacefully coexist and ethnic diversity is viewed as a blessing rather than as a scourge”.

Konchiro Matsuura, UNESCO General Director:

“New peace-serving initiatives proposed by the Kazakhstani leadership have been highly estimated by the UNESCO. Sharing Kazakhstan President N. A. Nazarbayev’s concerns raised by hazardous trend towards nuclear potential built-up by certain countries, I consider holding an Almaty-based CICMA meeting to be a significant contribution to forming a new paradigm.

International authority of Kazakhstan President in many respects promoted success of the CICMA which allowed Kazakhstan to become an Asian leader in terms of peace promotion.

Holding an international conference on nuclear-free world was another confirmation of the important decision taken by Kazakhstan to voluntarily renounce its nuclear weapons.

Non-nuclear power status was chosen by Kazakhstan on having realized the dangerous consequences of the world security system disbalance back in early 1990ies. Kazakhstan has demonstrated to the international community the openness of its foreign policy, its commitment to the world free of violence and military threats; Kazakhstan has once again confirmed its commitment to the UNESCO ideas.

As a representative of a country which has learned the evil of nuclear arms at the first hand, I take to heart peace-promoting initiatives of Kazakhstan; as UNESCO Director General I welcome the efforts exerted by Kazakhstan President N. A. Nazarbayev targeted at liquidation of the nuclear arsenal”.

Mr. Koïchiro Matsuura congratulated Kazakhstan President N. Nazarbayev on the 10th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s entering the UN and pointed out that “through joining the UN and the UNESCO Kazakhstan strengthened both its own independence and international cooperation as a whole”. He praised “contribution made by Kazakhstan and by President N. Nazarbayev to facilitate UNESCO in various aspects of its activities”. He expressed confidence in that “Kazakhstan President will be encouraging cooperation of his country and the international organization. UNESCO will be exerting every possible effort to facilitate efficient cooperation”.
 

Supachai Panitchpakdi, WTO Director General:

“In Your annual Address to the Nation, You have outlined both the achievements of Kazakhstan and future internal reforms.

I am pleased to point out that demonstrating progressive growth rates for the recent years, Kazakhstan remains committed to economic, social and political reforms.

It is commitment of Kazakhstan to reforms that is the key to achieving the set strategic goals.

n this context, accession to the WTO will be a substantial step towards accomplishing strategic tasks set before Kazakhstan.

Timely accession to the WTO will be a great achievement of Kazakhstan and will enable the nation to benefit from our multiparty trading system.

I want to emphasize that Kazakhstan has successfully integrated into the world economy.

I am deeply convinced that the results achieved need to be further expanded and accession to the WTO needs to be completed, pursuant to the strategic goals of Kazakhstan”.

European Union:

“The decision taken by Kazakhstan President to introduce moratorium on the capital punishment execution is a great step forward in the realm of human rights enforcement in this country; it’s a significant contribution to total abolishment of death penalty.

Cancellation of capital punishment facilitates human dignity promotion and steady enforcement of human rights”. (Extract from the EU Statement, January 6, 2004)

“There are good prospects for further cooperation of the EU and Kazakhstan. It is first of all explained by the rapid economic upturn of Kazakhstan. We appreciate the opportunity of being able to openly discuss any issues within the framework of the agreement on partnership and cooperation signed between the EU and Kazakhstan.

We can freely criticize each other and openly debate. We believe that there is a great potential of expanding our cooperation and ties. This cooperation will be strengthened in view of Kazakhstani economy growth, with the growth rates being impressive for the recent years.

The EU is encouraging the Republic’s entering this integration and is ready to provide respective assistance programs”.

Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission:

“It gives me great pleasure to send words of welcome to the organisers and delegates of your Congress in Kazakhstan. I also sincerely congratulate President N. Nazarbayev on organising such an event.

In a world of so many different cultures and denominations, such meetings as yours appear as the initial medium for dialogue. We in the European Union believe that intercultural and inter-religious dialogue is crucially important”.

Bruce George, President of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly:

“Kazakhstan has been acknowledged as a progressive, intensively developing country, as a state pursuing democracy.

President N. Nazarbayev is considered an outstanding leader of our days”.

Yan Kubish, OSCE Secretary General:

“I view the initiative proposed by Kazakhstan President to form an efficient system of security provision in Asia within the frameworks of CICMA and Shanghai Organization for Cooperation as very positive. These structures have proved to be efficient. The work is being carried out with due consideration of the OSCE recommendations. It is very commendable”.

Antonio Martins da Cruz, OSCE Chairman-in-Office (2001-2003), Portugal's Minister of Foreign Affairs:

“I had an opportunity to pass on my compliments to President with successful implementation of economic and political reforms.

Kazakhstan is a paragon of interethnic peace and national accord.

For the last 10 years Kazakhstan has been exerting great efforts and attained positive results in political dimension.

Approaches to regional cooperation proposed by Kazakhstan are of special importance”.

Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe:

“For a number of years I have been closely watching the socio-economic and political reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan; and I praise the results achieved and the role played by Nursultan Nazarbayev to ensure accomplishment of the tasks”.

Ambassador Christian Strohal, Director of the ODIHR/OSCE:

“I highly estimate the political tasks set by Kazakhstan President N. Nazarbayev.

Kazakhstan has been successfully implementing reforms and the country sets an example to be followed by other transit economies”.

The Address of the President is of great importance as a program document that determines the long-term perspective of political and socio-economic development of Kazakhstan.

Implementing the provisions of the Address will give impulse to the development of democracy in the Central Asian region.

In this regard, I welcome the initiative of President Nazarbayev to create the Central Asian Union.

Kazakhstan has great positive experience in this field in respect to the possibility of contribution to the development of OSCE’s practical work.

Kazakhstan’s role in the international community is growing. In his opinion, the activity of our country in the OSCE has increased in recent years on a number of directions of cooperation that can serve as a basis for a successful realization of Kazakhstan’s plans to chair the OSCE in 2009».

Anton Rupnik, Head of OSCE Center in Kazakhstan:

“The decision taken by President N. Nazarbayev to introduce moratorium on capital punishment execution has become an important step towards further enhancement of socio-political system of Kazakhstan.

The OSCE is interested in expanding equitable cooperation with the Republic in realms of security, economic development, environment and human rights”.

Ahmad Adel, Deputy Secretary General of the League of Arabic States

“The Arab League is grateful to Kazakhstan President for his support to resolutions of UN General Assembly and those of UN Security Council on the issues of Middle East settlement which are of great importance to elimination of the conflict. I hope relations between Kazakhstan and Arab countries will be further expanded.

All the information agencies and leading printed media of the world devoted front pages and televised stories to cover Kazakhstan holding CICMA meeting. All this testifies to Kazakhstan’s popularity”.

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO General Secretary:

“I am sure that Kazakhstan has been playing a pivotal role, being the locomotive of political and economic reforms in Central Asia. Recently, the OSCE has been focusing on Central Asia with its history and development specificity. Priority is given to cooperation with Kazakhstan and other countries of the region in the three following directions: counteracting new threats and challenges, economic cooperation, interaction in human dimension. We have agreed that the OSCE can assist Kazakhstan in all the three directions.

Kazakhstan has achieved great progress in reforming its economy and social-political life. The Kazakhstani leadership has been committed to highest human values”. (Extract from the briefing following negotiations with Mr. Nazarbayev, July 7, 2003)

“With keen interest, I read Your assessment of the situation in the country, especially Your idea of implementing a comprehensive program of democratic reforms.

The Alliance members recognize the key role Kazkahstan has been playing to ensure security and regional stability within Central Asia and are ready to expand cooperation with Your country to attend to common security issues such as terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, rehabilitation of Afghanistan and to hit common targets that serve mutual interests.

Within the framework of the Euroatlantic Partnership Council and the “Partnership for Peace” initiative, NATO is offering a number of important programs which could contribute to the efforts exerted by Your country to implement reforms in such realms as security provision and defense.

In this context, the Alliance members welcome the readiness of Kazakhstan to develop the Plan of actions within individual partnership with NATO, which can bring the relationship between the Alliance and Kazakhstan to a higher level if the said plan is properly implemented”.

George Robertson, NATO General Secretary:

“Both the Central Asia countries and NATO face common challenges and threats lying in wait in the XXI century.

Being a leader in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is sure to be playing a major role in addressing these challenges. Kazakhstan can facilitate solving these problems and call the other countries to dialogue and partnership.

We recognize that it was not easy for President Nazarbayev to break with the past and step up true reforms in the country, thus adjusting to rapidly changing global environment. NATO is pursuing expanded cooperation with Kazakhstan, but our capabilities are not boundless; future of your country and the entire region depends on courage and determination of the current and future political leadership”.

Gregory Rapota, Secretary General of the EurAsEC:

“N. Nazarbayev is not only an initiator, but also an active “driver” of integration processes within the post-Soviet territory”.

US Senate:

“Whereas on December 16, 2001, Kazakhstan will celebrate 10 years of independence; Whereas Kazakhstan, under the leadership of President Nursultan Nazarbaev, has cooperated with the United States on national security concerns, including combating international terrorism, nuclear proliferation, international crime, and narcotics trafficking; and

Whereas cooperation with Kazakhstan has become even more important to the ability of the United States to protect the United States homeland:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate —

(1) congratulates the people of Kazakhstan and its government, on the tenth anniversary of its independence;

(2) welcomes the partnership between the Government of Kazakhstan and United States companies in developing its natural resources in an environmentally sustainable manner;

(3) applauds the cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and the Government of the United States on matters of national security, including the war against terrorism;

(4) encourages the Government of Kazakhstan to continue to make progress in the areas of institutionalizing democracy, respecting human rights, reducing corruption, and implementing broad-based market reforms; and

(5) looks forward to further enhancing the economic, political, and national security cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States”.

US Congressmen:

“Dear Mr. Nazarbayev,

We, the members of the U.S. Congress, support your efforts to promote dialogue between nations and religions, and to reduce the tensions between various faiths.

The Congress of World and Traditional Religions, which will be conducted under your auspices, is as timely as ever. Nowadays, it is important to show the world the spiritual and moral unity of all religions that call for tolerance and mutual understanding, and to oppose extremists who would use religion to condone terror.

Mr. President, we are grateful to you for taking consistent and concrete steps to bridge the growing divide between Muslims and Jews at a time when tension in the Middle East is at a fulcrum, and intolerance and anti-Semitism are rising world-wide.

The upcoming Astana Forum of the leaders of major world and traditional religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, as well as Hinduism, Taoism and Shinto will be Kazakhstan’s worthy contribution to the promotion of peace and harmony during these difficult times.

It would be fair to express to you and to the people of Kazakhstan our appreciation for your unconditional help to the United States in our global campaign against international terror. We consider this upcoming Congress as yet another proof of your unswerving support in the fight against this evil.

We believe Kazakhstan will continue to play a crucial role in promoting world peace as it stands as an example of how more than 130 ethnic groups and 40 faiths can live in peaceful coexistence”.

Group of US Representatives:

“Dear Mr. President:

We would like to express our gratitude to the people of Kazakhstan for the support you have shown during these crucial times in the fight against international terrorism. We are thankful for your unequivocally firm commitment to stand by and work with the United States and the rest of the civilized community in our common struggle for a better world for all of its children.

As Kazakhstan nears the 10th anniversary as a full member of the community of nations on December 16, 2001, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate your people on this event and on your many momentous achievements throughout this first decade.

We commend the impressive strides Kazakhstan has made in moving away from a totalitarian Communist society and a central command economy to a truly open and democratic society with a thriving market economy showing progress every day.

As the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, a Congressional group dedicated to promoting and strengthening the rights of people of all racial and ethnic background, we are particularly pleased to note the remarkable record of Kazakhstan in securing equal rights and opportunities for all your 130 ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Russians, Germans, Jews and many others.

We welcome the freedom of expression that we are witnessing in Kazakhstan with more than fifteen hundred independent news media outlets operating freely.

Additionally, we particularly strongly applaud the freedom of religion that your nation has established for its people who follow Islam, Christianity, Judaism and other religions, which is even more important in our time of increased urgency for interreligious harmony in the world.

"Yours is a country in which the world can see accord and harmony between different peoples as an eloquent sign of the vocation of all peoples to live together in peace, in mutual knowledge and openness, and an ever deeper discovery and appreciation of the distinctive traditions of each people", noted Pope John Paul II during his September 2001 visit to Kazakhstan. We join the Pope in this appreciation.

We know that the United States has found a true friend in Kazakhstan. The decade-long cooperation between our nations in the fight for security in the world, in eliminating the weapons of mass destruction Kazakhstan inherited from the Soviet empire, including hundreds of nuclear missiles aimed at us, has been a cornerstone of our partnership.

We are pleased to see American businesses playing a prominent role in developing your economy, and consider this to be an important contribution to the stability of a part of the world notorious for its conflicts.

Mr. President, we commend your leadership in promoting peace, democracy and stability in Kazakhstan and beyond your borders.

We wish you and the people of Kazakhstan many successes in the decades ahead”.

US Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS):

“I am really inspired by the Address of the Head of the State and sincerely hope that realization of all the initiatives outlined in the document and utilization of the country’s great potential with contribute to strengthening Kazakhstan’s leading positions in building open civil society and democracy in Central Asia”.

US Senator Richard Lugar:

“Dear Mr. President! I will never forget our meeting in Almaty in 1992 and Your courageous decision to join Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Close cooperation between US and Kazakhstan in dismantling of mass destruction weapons infrastructure in the framework of the Nunn-Lugar Program created favorable ground for friendly relations between our two countries. These relations were tested by time and found fruitful as US and Kazakhstan were able to expand cooperation, including in the realms of combating terrorism.

I hope that progress we have achieved in non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and fighting terrorism will also spread to other sectors in the nearest future”.

“In his message President Nazarbayev demonstrates the same level of strategic vision as in the time he made a decision to renounce nuclear status of the republic”.

US Senator Sam Nunn:

“Owing to its unique input into global disarmament and the example of leadership set by President N. Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan is called to become one of the most active members of global alliance against catastrophic terrorism”.

US Representatives Joseph Pitts (R-PA), Robert Wexler (D-FL):

“People and Government of Kazakhstan Lead by President Nazarbayev are firm allies of the US in our fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As the United States works to rebuild Iraq and promote democracy throughout the Middle East and Central Asia, it is in America's best interest to strengthen ties with nations like Kazakhstan”.

US Senator Mary Landrieu:

“Dear Mr. President! This was a great honor and unforgettable fortune for me to talk to You during Your visit to Washington in December 2001 and to hear Your thoughts on situation in the realm of interaction within the former Soviet Union and modern Central Asia.

It is a present responsibility for me to congratulate You on summit of the Conference for Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia successfully held in Almaty.

I know that for many years you have worked with diligence to create such forum, and I am sure that has laid the foundation for development of mutual understanding, cooperation and stability in the region.

I would like to thank You for Your recent decision allowing emergency landing for US air force planes in Almaty airport during the continuing operation in Central Asia. I can tell You that we feel safer and more confident knowing that if damaged, our planes can count on safe harboring in Kazakhstan.

It was a pleasure for me to support Your efforts to gain a market economy status for Your country. Owing to economic cooperation Kazakhstan and other developing democracies can fully use their potential. I remain a consistent supporter of removal of Jackson-Vanik amendment denying normal trade relations to your country and I intend to continue my efforts in this direction until desired result have been achieved”.

US Senators: Sam Brownback (R-KS), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Conrad Burns (R-MT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Gordon Smith (R-OR)

“Dear Mr. President!

We highly commend You on taking concrete steps to bridge the growing divide between Muslims and Jews at a time when tension in the Middle East is at a fulcrum and intolerance and anti-Semitism are rising worldwide.

We consider holding cross-confessional conference in Kazakhstan extremely important for international efforts targeted at combating extremism. Besides, it wil be a strong signal that the present and future course of the Muslim world will not be controlled by those that would popagate hate, fear and murder, such as Al Qaeda, but by those nations and poeple who respect and promote peace, tolerance and democracy. We believe that Kazakhstan will continue playing a crucial role in areas of international concern and continue their cooperation with the United States and countries of the region to ensure greater security in Central Asia”.

US Representative Philip English (R-PA):

“We have a vitally important ally in the person of Kazakhstan and rendering continued support to Kazakhstan, whose operations demonstrated its devotion to ensuring global security, non-proliferation, stability, and tolerance to ethnic and religious minorities, is well in accord with US national interests.

After September 11 attacks against US, Mr. Nazarbayev made an unprecedented step – he visited US Embassy in Kazakhstan to make a record in the Condolence Book. And what more important, our friends in Astana confirmed their firm decision with deeds – US planes were granted free pass over the vast territory of the republic.

By standing up next to the US, Republic of Kazakhstan demonstrated its valiant adherence to protection of freedom. I hope that other states – young and old – will follow this extraordinary example of the people of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has become the first and only country in Central Asia to send its troops to support multinational peacekeeping forces in Iraq”.

US Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT), Chairman of the Communications Subcommittee for the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee:

“We appreciate President Nazarbayev’s commitment to strengthening of US-Kazakhstan relations. Kazakhstan is a reliable partner and ally of the US in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kazakhstan is the only Central Asian country to send its troops to Iraq. Kazakhstan has firmly stated its devotion to its commitments in Iraq.

Kazakhstan’s energy sector can stimulate both the country’s economy and economy of the US. As a result of this conference in Washington, the number of American businessmen interested in investing into Kazakhstan will grow”.

US Representative Joe Barton (R-TX), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee:

“Kazakhstan is our true friend. This is one of the few countries to support stabilization efforts in Iraq not just by words but by sending its military contingent, and we are grateful for it.

Kazakhstan’s energy reserves – oil, gas and coal – are among world largest. US are an importer of all these products and we need to develop friendly relations with Kazakhstan.”

US Congressman Patrick Tiberi (R-OH):

“I commend President N. Nazarbayev and the people of Kazakhstan on their hard work to attain democracy in a region, wherein it is in great demand. Kazakhstan has set an excellent example to be followed by other developing nations”.

US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (D-AS At-Large):

“The time has come to support Kazakhstan – a young, up-and-coming West-oriented state - in its serious steps taken towards a democratic, prospering society. It is important to us to have committed allies around the world. Kazakhstan is such an ally. We should actively tell the story of Kazakhstan’s behavior at the international arena which is of special importance to bringing solution to the most acute international problems of our days”.

“I truly believe mankind would be well served if the historic contributions of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Senator Richard Lugar and Senator Sam Nunn were recognized by the Nobel Peace Prize committee.

I believe such recognition would reduce nuclear dangers and increase global security and I am hopeful that this recommendation will be seriously considered”.

US Congressman Chris Cannon:

“I have followed the development of a young Kazakhstan with great interest and I should note that since gaining its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, this country has undergone tremendous political and economic transformation. Kazakhstan is dynamically moving forward and is moving in the right direction.

A great deal of credit for Kazakhstan's coming of age should go to its leader, President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

I fully share the position of the leadership of Kazakhstan that any reforms make sense only if they serve the people.

I praise the political foresight of President Nazarbayev, an architect of Kazakhstan's success, who, in spite of criticism, has managed to bring his country into the fold of economically strong nations and has now embarked on an even bolder set of political reforms.

I agree with President Nazarbayev, that “You can't just declare democracy. You can only build it through hard work”. As a nation that has been building its democracy for more than 200 years, we should value the words of a leader of a young democracy.

Future successes of a democratic and free Republic of Kazakhstan directly benefit the United States, as it will help ensure stability and prosperity of Central Asia, a region extremely important in our fight against international terrorism.

I strongly believe that we should acknowledge Kazakhstan's achievements and support them in their efforts to continue with reforms.”

US Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY):

“I have read Your recent Address to the People of Kazakhstan with great interest and must note that it is indeed a milestone for the country. US is closely watching the development of Kazakhstan and is sincerely glad that its expectations regarding economic potential and adherence of the republic to building a truly democratic society justify themselves.

You have an amazing country with colossal perspectives, reach culture, century long traditions and openhearted people.

Let me assure You that my people will never forget the land of friendship extended by the people of Kazakhstan to us during our hard times.

I am glad for Your success. It deserves the highest praise and I consider it appropriate to share may joy for your success with my colleagues. Thus, I understood the responsibility to submit fragments from the Address to the US Congressional Records.

It is amazing how this country, which for many years existed under a totalitarian regime without any idea of market reforms has managed to achieve tremendous results in a very short period.

The most impressive part of the message is the massive social component of the Kazakh leader's program aimed at significant improvement of wellbeing of all levels of society, especially the poor, elderly, disabled and children.

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan has become a leader in promoting political and democratic transformations in the post Soviet states.

Most importantly, Kazakhstan is not going to stop half way to this goal, but is eager to deepen this process based on Western standards of democracy.

I support President Nazarbayev's initiative to create a National Program of Political Reforms in which the key player will be the people. I strongly believe that the evolution of Kazakh society inevitably will lead to a triumph of democracy. It is dictated by the will and aspirations of the people.

I also agree with President Nazarbayev when he said that today “Kazakhstan is regarded in the world as a regional power possessing a strong economy and a solid position in the international community''. I am very glad that the United States has been instrumental in aiding the development of Kazakhstan. Our bilateral relations have gained the status of a strategic partnership. I am absolutely convinced successful cooperation between the U.S. and Kazakhstan is the cornerstone of stability in a crucial region and it is in the interest of both our countries and the world as a whole”.

US Representative John Barrow (D-GA):

“Kazakhstan made an outstanding and unique contribution into non-proliferation efforts that became a significant factor strengthening international security.

Among other Kazakhstan’s achievements, President Nazarbayev’s practical realization of promises made at the dawn of independence testifies to Kazakhstani leader being the man of his word”.

Sergey Mironov, Chairman of RF FC FA:

“Mr. Nazarbayev has a clearly vision of how to form a common economic space, necessity of which is pointed out in documents approved by Presidents of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine. The first stage is creation of free trade zones and adoption of common transport tariffs. The second stage is forming of a Customs Union. And the third is integration of financial systems, with a single currency introduced.

It is remarkable that Head of Kazakhstan even contrived a name for the currency – the Altyn – which is conventional to both the Slavic and Kazakhs. He also proposed to form an interstate body – Committee for Trade and Tariffs.

N. Nazarbayev surely doesn’t need to borrow determination. It is suffice to recall moving the capital to Astana. He precisely evaluates feasibility of planned actions and efficiency of changes. In Russia genuine political will emerged 3 years ago. In Kazakhstan political will in the person of President Nazarbayev has been there for already a decade. We need to more boldly rely on practices and experience of our closest friends and neighbors”.

Liubov Sliska, RF State Duma First Vice-Speaker:

“I like the fact that N. Nazarbayev is not afraid to criticize something that needs improving, something that can be done in a different way. His fatherly nurturing of cooperation is appreciated in Russia where he is warmly received”.

 
Francois Trucy, French Senator, Chairman of Senate Friendship Group
“France – Central Asia”:

“Kazakhstan is a natural leader in the region. This leading role is first of all expressed in multifaceted policy pursued by President N. Nazarbayev which is intended to ensure comprehensive development of the country and its consistent integration into the international community”.

Yoshiro Mori, House Deputy of Japanese Parliament:

“Dear Mr. President!

Thanks to Your initiatives implemented within the framework of the Conference for Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia. Kazakhstan has been attaining greater importance not only in Asia, but also in Europe and in the entire international community”.

European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Kazakhstan
Chaired by Antonio Di Pietro:

“We highly appreciate efforts exerted by the Republic to promote fundamental values shared by democratic states. Europe with great enthusiasm received the decision taken by Kazakhstan to introduce moratorium on capital punishment execution”.

Kondoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor to US President in 2002:

“Within the region Kazakhstan can be viewed as a model state, wherein diverse ethnic groups and confessions enjoy harmony”.

Colin Powel, US State Secretary:

“Dear Mr. President!

The United States of America attach great importance to cooperation with Kazakhstan and intend to enhance strategic partnership with Astana. Results of interaction achieved for the recent decade in the realm of non-proliferation, security, energy, economy and democratization will serve a good foundation to build upon. The United States of America acknowledges the support rendered by the Republic to international coalition against terrorism. The USA is thankful for contribution to socio-economic rehabilitation of Afghanistan, as well as for readiness for further joint measures to counteract terrorism, implementation of which the USA intends to facilitate”.

“The international community knows what true disarmament looks like: we have seen it in Kazakhstan”.

“President Nazarbayev and Kazakhstan have always been good friends for the US and for me personally. I warmly recall our wonderful meetings with President Nazarbayev. I am deeply grateful for the aid rendered by Kazakhstan in the global war against terrorism and in Iraq. Kazakhstan has two powerful neighbors, but it also has the third “neighbor” though being geographically afar but congenial in spirit.

Nursultan Nazarbayev is my personal close friend. I deeply appreciate these relationships”.

Madeleine Albright, in 2000 – US State Secretary:

“Relationship between the USA and Kazakhstan has been dynamically developing. I hope that they will be enhancing at the same pace at which Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan is growing. Kazakhstan has taken a constructive position in its dialogue with the OSCE; the country leadership has been exerting great efforts to construct a meaningful democratic social system”.

Brent Scowcroft, Former US National Security Advisor (1975-1977, 1989-1993):

“Dear Mr. President!

I have read your annual Address to the Nation with great interest and care. Scale and ambitiousness of the goal you are setting for your country are really impressive. The statistics drawn in your Address is also very impressive as it indicates significant progress made by Kazakhstan since independence towards prosperous and democratic future.

The Address clearly indicates that you are not intending to let Kazakhstan rely solely upon its rich natural resources to fuel its economy. And it is wise. One of the mistakes generally made by leaders of states rich with natural resources is exploiting these resources to sustain consumption instead of using them to develop contemporary economy.

With time this mistake results in economic and political stagnation and leaves the country barren after natural resources run out.

That is why I highly commend the Kazakhstan’ course for industrial and innovation development of the economy, and measures aimed at raising competitiveness of Kazakhstani production and creation of clusters. Such strategy creates favorable conditions for dynamic development of the republic in long-term perspective as well. In you strategy of industrial and innovation development you have chosen to develop a number of non-extractive sectors to sustain further development of Kazakhstan’s economy for many more years after its hydrocarbonates are exhausted. If you thoroughly follow this strategy it will promote long-term prosperity and political modernization of Kazakhstan.

… The measures flagged in the Address are very important and reasonable for political liberalization of Kazakhstan.

This document rightly acknowledges that democratization is much broader than the election technology. In addition to elections, democracy calls for large-scaled development of civil society, interreligion tolerance, objective and well-functioning judicial system, adequate security from crime and corruption; democracy shall allow people exercise their rights without being intimidated or harassed. The goals set in your Address go beyond that.

…initiatives proposed by You have been playing a prominent role in strengthening of regional and global security provision systems, forming of a nuclear-free world, efficient opposing to thetas of challenges of nowadays.

The Address sets other goals of greater importance, including Kazakhstan opting for nuclear disarmament, cooperation with the USA in the global war on terror and in counteracting drugs trafficking. Further pursuance of the said goals will serve the interests of both Kazakhstan and its friends and neighbors.