Kazakh President opens XII Eurasian Media Forum in Astana

"I warmly welcome the participants and guests of the XII Eurasian Media Forum. Please accept my most sincere congratulations on the occasion!

During these years the Forum has gained wide international fame and has become a recognized platform for discussing the most pressing problems of a rapidly changing world, as well as new approaches for their solution. For 12 years the forum has been attended by more than 5000 experts, politicians, journalists and public figures from 60 countries. The conference's activities cover more than 500 local and foreign media. This year marks 20th anniversary of the idea on the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union. At the moment Eurasian integration process is moving to a new stage of development. In May 2014 a historic agreement on the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union was signed in our capital. I want to note the special role and mission of the Eurasian Media Forum in creating an atmosphere of trust between countries and continents, maintaining international peace and accord. This forum has being held among the difficult international political situation. In this process, Kazakhstan has made a worthy contribution, based on its positive experience of peace and unity. In our country there are more than 100 ethnic groups. Thanks to peace and stability in our country that are immutable values and the main priorities of the state policy, we have realized "Kazakhstan - 2030" Strategy ahead of time. At present Kazakhstan realizes Strategy of Kazakhstan's development until 2050. Strengthening of interethnic and interreligious accord, peace, unity and stability are the key priorities of the new strategy. Next year, declared the Year of People's Assembly of Kazakhstan, Astana will host the Forum of People of Kazakhstan. In addition Kazakhstan will carry out the 5th Congress of leaders of world and traditional religions in 2015. I am convinced that a constructive dialogue within Media Forum will further strengthen mutual understanding and trust. I wish you fruitful work and success!"