Amid global challenges, Kazakh president says his country’s freedom and independence are indestructible

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has celebrated both ethnic diversity and national unity in a major speech. He told the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan that “the independence and territorial integrity of our country are above all”, writes Political Editor Nick Powell.

President Tokayev’s speech to the body that brings together all of Kazakhstan’s ethnic groups gave an insight into what gave him the confidence to press ahead with major constitutional reforms. He has carried out a political transformation in the aftermath of domestic unrest and in the midst of geopolitical upheaval.

“The importance of protecting sovereignty and preserving national identity has increased for states”, he told the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. He went on to stress that national civil identity does not reject ethnic characteristics. “Each ethnic group in Kazakhstan has had and will have the opportunity to develop its own traditions, culture, language”.

Kazakhstan’s multiethnic makeup is a consequence of the Soviet era, which saw migration to Central Asia from all over the former USSR and beyond, with Russian becoming the language of communication between different groups. The President addressed how Kazakh is now growing in importance as the state language since independence, as a new national identity has been formed in Kazakhstan.

“Citizens who have not studied the state language and do not speak it to the required extent should in no case be infringed on a linguistic basis”, he said. But he looked forward to a desire to master Kazakh becoming the norm, adding that “knowledge of different languages is a sign of everyone’s culture”.

He saw speaking Kazakh as an effective tool for civil integration, an indicator of cultural development, civic responsibility and ultimately of patriotism. “Our people understand first-hand the true meaning of unity and peace. These are lasting values for all ethnic groups who have survived difficult times and found refuge in Kazakhstan. Our people live in peace because these ideals are recognised and respected”.

“Our society is a union of free and responsible citizens united by common ideals and values. This is another vivid manifestation of our national identity. Today all our citizens consider themselves to be members of one large and united Kazakh family”.

“As a result of large-scale political reforms, we have come to real pluralism”, the President continued. He stressed that although it was inevitable that there would be different political views, there should be no disagreement on the preservation of interethnic harmony.

President Tokayev observed that “all conflicts and wars in the world come from national arrogance”, though he diplomatically avoided giving any current example. “Today humanity is going through difficult times, there is a deep transformation in the world. New challenges and threats at a global level are emerging”.

He concluded that “despite all these difficulties, we look to the future with confidence. A Just Kazakhstan is born before our eyes … we will turn our country into an indestructible monolith of freedom and independence”.

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