Astana played paramount role in strengthening of Kazakhstan's independence, view

"It is worth mentioning that transfer of the Kazakhstani capital from Almaty to Astana city was of paramount importance for strengthening of Kazakhstan's independence. It was dictated by political and economic reasons," Mr. Ismailov said. According to him, the creation of the People's Assembly of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1995 was another milestone in the history of the country. "This institute has been ensuring inter-ethnic accord and played a decisive role in the economic growth, political achievements and reforms in Kazakhstan's foreign policy," he added. The chairman of the Kyrgyz ethno-cultural association wholeheartedly congratulated all Kazakhstanis on the Independence Day. "As it was stressed in the state-of-the-national address "Nurly zhol - Path to the Future" by President Nazarbayev, our key values are independence, national unity, peace and accord in our society," said Shavkat Ismailov in his congratulatory message.