Astana is the symbol of Kazakhstan that moves towards its goal to enter the top 30 most developed countries in the world: President of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Galym Mutanov

In an interview to Kazinform correspondent President of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Galym Mutanov ponders on the political importance of this date for Kazakhstan, the role of President Nursultan Nazarbayev in the creation of the new capital and in the formation of the country.

Galym Mutanovich, what role did Astana play in the history of sovereign Kazakhstan?

There are numerous examples from the history when the transition of the capital to a new location has proved to be a success. The U.S., Russia, China, Turkey, Brazil and Germany, to name a few, are the brightest examples. The idea of relocating the capital has always demanded strong political will and courage from the leaders of the countries. Since there have always been skepticism that surrounded such decisions. In Kazakhstan, Astana has been chosen to play the role of the new capital of the young sovereign state.

The entire history of the country evidences the key role the President of Kazakhstan has played in the formation of the independent country and its capital. The epoch-making decision made in mid 1990s by Nursultan Nazarbayev was motivated not only by the important economic, geopolitical and demographic factors. The Kazakh President aspired to create and introduce to the world the new image of modern Kazakhstan as economically and socially stable, prosperous and democratic state. Making strategically precise political decisions and thinking outside the box, Nursultan Nazarbayev not only proclaimed the program and the idea, but also suggested mechanisms for its implementation. The Head of State made important decisions for the new capital, he shaped its development strategy and initiated the construction of unique facilities. Basically, the President is the inspirer and architect of the unique capital in the heart of Eurasia.

There was a time when the idea of relocating the capital faced skepticism.

The President has proved his critics wrong. Today, there are no doubts his decisions were far-sighted. Astana, as the brand new political center of the country, has become the locomotive of its economic and political development, the source of vitally important innovations for the entire country. Astana is conceptually the embodiment of the national idea, the symbol of new era in the history of Kazakhstan, the era of democratic nation with developed economy, high social living standards, demonstrating political stability, peace and accord.

Astana has strengthened the spiritually of Kazakh people. The young capital has given a new impulse to the policy of preservation of inter-national unity and religious tolerance, dubbed by the international community as the most successful and effective. Astana has converted the ideas of the President into a reality, thus, strengthening the regional and global security and establishing the inter-civilizational dialogue. Kazakhstan is one of the few countries in the post-Soviet space which managed to avoid political shocks. When the CIS member states were swept by the growth of social unrest, when the opponents unanimously predicted the wave of inter-ethnic tension, Nursultan Nazarbayev was able to pull together the multinational republic.

Astana is not only the capital, it has also become a large international center. How did that happen?

Being in the focus of attention of the global community, Astana has turned into the center of Eurasian integration, the host city of the international dialogue platforms that seek to find constructive forms of cooperation and solutions to the global challenges. The Astana Economic Forum, historically important OSCE Summit, jubilee SCO and OIC, those and other top-level events demonstrate the unconditional international authority of Kazakhstan and the important role of Astana as the intellectual bridge between East and West. It would also like to note the holding of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana. Internationally known Palace of Peace and Accord has become the symbol of diversity and unity of various religions, nationalities and cultures. Thanks to the G-GLOBAL Initiative and the Green Bridge Program, Kazakhstan has earned a remarkable standing in the international arena.

Astana has also become the center of advanced research initiatives and this is proved by the fact that the Kazakh capital has been honored as the host city of the global exhibition "EXPO-2017", surpassing other candidate cities in a heated competition.

Astana's creation is the breakthrough that has defined prompt development of our country. The new capital is the symbol of independent Kazakhstan that moves forward to its goal to enter the top 30 most developed countries in the world.

Thank you for the interview!