Overview
The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, delivered a speech on June 27, 2024, at the ceremony marking the awarding of media workers. He discussed the growing role of media and journalism in Kazakhstan, the country’s recent political, economic, and social reforms, major economic initiatives and infrastructure projects, as well as Kazakhstan’s foreign policy priorities.
The factsheet outlines the key points from President Tokayev’s speech.
On Creation of a Just Kazakhstan
• Implementation of Reforms
Over the past 5 years, Kazakhstan has conducted large-scale political reforms. The following results have been achieved:
– The influence of Parliament has significantly increased.
– The responsibility of the Government has intensified.
– The system between branches of power has become more robust.
– The role of political parties in society has strengthened.
– Mechanisms have been developed for citizens to express opinions and engage in social activities.
– Real and broad pluralism of opinions has emerged, making public opinion a crucial factor in political life.
– Freedom of speech has become an inviolable value in society.
– Direct elections of akims (mayors) of villages and districts have been introduced.
– Introduction of a single seven-year presidential term.
– New economic course aimed at making Kazakhstan a leading country.
– Recently enacted law on combating domestic violence.
– Comprehensive Plan to counter illegal gambling and gambling addiction.
– Law “On Mass Media,” improving mechanisms for protecting journalists’ rights and interests.
• New Political Reality
– Law and Order: The principle of ‘Law and Order’ is seen as a reliable foundation for building a Just Kazakhstan with equal opportunities for everyone.
– Rule of Law: Concrete measures are being taken to ensure the rule of law in every sphere of life.
– Anti-Corruption Efforts: Intense work is being done to combat corruption at all levels.
– Dialogue: The new political reality is expressed through freedom of speech, open competition, and constructive dialogue between authorities and society.
– Information Accessibility: All information resources are accessible, reflecting a realised change.
On Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy
• Multilateral Cooperation: Kazakhstan is committed to multilateral cooperation and supports the UN Charter as the foundation of international law.
• National Interests: Foreign policy is based on national interests and resolving issues through rational compromise.
• SCO Summit: Kazakhstan will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana on July 3-4, 2024, with leaders representing nearly half of the world’s population attending.
• Contribution to Diplomacy: Kazakhstan chairs five other international structures this year, marking an unprecedented achievement in its diplomatic history.
On Nuclear Power Plant Referendum
• Public Discussion: Broad discussions with various opinions are ongoing.
• Referendum: A referendum will be held this autumn to make the final decision on this issue.
On Kazakhstan’s Media and Role of Journalists
• Media Responsibility: The role and responsibility of the media are increasing, with an emphasis on maintaining objectivity and impartiality.
• Independent Media Landscape: Hundreds of independent media and numerous blogs and channels on the internet operate in Kazakhstan.
• Diverse Perspectives: These media resources provide various perspectives and critically evaluate government activities.
• Law and Order: The media plays a special role in establishing the principle of ‘Law and Order’ in society.
• Pluralism of Opinions: Pluralism of opinions was an initial goal and is considered a fundamental achievement.
• Public Institution: Domestic journalism is recognised as a strong public institution.
• Public Consciousness: Critical role of journalists in consolidating values in public consciousness.
• Legal Culture: Essential involvement of media in forming legal culture.
• National Parliamentarism: The journalistic community contributes to the development of national parliamentarism.
• Economic Developments: The media plays a crucial role in informing citizens about economic developments.
• Voice of the People: The media is the voice of the people, the messenger of the nation, and the spiritual support of society.
On Key Developments and Initiatives in Kazakhstan
• Clean Kazakhstan Movement
– Popular Initiative: A nationwide movement called “Clean Kazakhstan” or “Taza Qazaqstan” was launched to address the issue of trash left by irresponsible citizens in public and natural areas.
• Economic Developments and Infrastructure Projects
– Rising Attractiveness: Kazakhstan’s investment attractiveness has been growing due to consistent state efforts.
– PepsiCo Plant: A new PepsiCo plant in the Almaty region, set to open in 2026, will be the largest in Central Asia.
– Greenhouse Complex: The first phase of a major greenhouse complex in Shymkent, in collaboration with Turkish partners, is planned for completion this year.
– Copper Smelter: An agreement with Chinese partners to build a copper smelter in the Abai region, estimated to cost $1.5 billion, creating over a thousand new jobs.
– Gas-Chemical Complex: Planned construction of an integrated gas-chemical complex for polyethylene production in the Atyrau region.
– Roads: Launch of significant roads such as Astana – Almaty, Almaty – Ust-Kamenogorsk, Aktobe – Kandyagash, and Atyrau – Astrakhan.
• National Day of the Dombra
– Cultural Significance: The dombra is celebrated as the soul and mirror of the Kazakh nation.
– National Identity: Honouring the dombra is crucial for preserving national identity and heritage.
– Holiday Importance: The National Day of the Dombra, celebrated on the first Sunday of July, is essential for the development of arts and national unity.
