Kazakhstanis know the value of hard-won independence and stability and I believe they will perform all the goals set in «Strategy - 2050» - Turkish President Abdullah Gul

- Mr. President, why was Turkey the first state to recognize Kazakhstan's independence?

- First, I want to sincerely congratulate the friendly and brotherly Kazakhstan on the 22nd year of its independence. I wish well-being and peace to all Kazakhstanis.

It was very natural for Turkey to be first to recognize the independence of Kazakhstan. It is an expression of brotherly relations. The two fraternal countries share a common language, faith, history, culture, traditions and values​​. Turkey recognized the independence of not only Kazakhstan, but also of other friendly and brotherly countries emerged after the surmise of the Soviet Union. In this context, Turkey was the first to recognize five new states of a single nation. Not only Turkey's leadership but also the entire Turkish nation was happy about the gaining of independence by these fraternal countries. Our strong recognition of these countries' independence is profound expression of solidarity, undisputed acceptance of the emerged new reality and our support of this reality.

- During your presidency, economic and trade relations between the two countries have strengthened and expanded. Kazakhstan and Turkey have become even closer to each other.

- That's right. Since Kazakhstan gained independence, our relationship has deepened, significantly strengthened. During my presidency, I have always attached great importance to the development of our multilateral cooperation. President Nursultan Nazarbayev and I have always maintained a very close dialogue. Over the past six years, we met 11 times. During President Nursultan Nazarbayev's visit to Turkey in 2009, we raised our relationship to the level of strategic partnership.

With such a high level of political relations, the coverage and depth of our cooperation has been daily increasing.

The bilateral trade is close to $ 3.5 billion. Mutual investments exceeded $ 3 billion. Except for energy, in other economic sectors of Kazakhstan, Turkish companies are the most important investors in your country.

Our contracting companies participated in very important projects aimed at modernization of Kazakhstan, which is led by Nursultan Nazarbayev. The cost of completed projects is nearly $ 20 billion.

We are pleased with the current level of our relations in all fields. But we believe that even more needs to be done and a long way of collaboration lies ahead, because the potential of our friendly and brotherly countries is enormous. We view sectors such as energy, transport, defense industry, healthcare, education, tourism as areas in which we can advance our cooperation.

In this direction, we have identified some short-term goals. We would like to increase the volume of trade to $ 10 billion in 2015. We wish to multiply mutual investment.

The most important advantage in implementation of our plans is a strong will of the leaders of both countries aimed at much more active promotion of our relations.

Relations between Turkey and Kazakhstan draw strength from the brotherhood of both nations. Every year, approximately 400 000 Kazakhstanis visit Turkey. For many Turkish nationals, Kazakhstan has become their second homeland. Our cooperation in the education sector, which is the best area for investment in the future of our relations, has robustly grown. More than 30 Turkish schools operating in Kazakhstan raise the younger generations on lofty ideals aimed at promoting friendship, brotherhood and national identity. One joint and 3 Turkish universities also perform a very important function.

With 22 years past, we did not stop there. We keep strengthening bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation. Moreover, Kazakhstan has always been the lead partner among the fraternal Turkic republics. Nursultan Nazarbayev has always been the most active supporter of our integration. With such a common understanding, we formed the Turkic Council in 2009. Next year, we will host the 4th Summit of the Turkic Council, where I believe decisions will be taken to strengthen the Council as a mechanism for regional cooperation.

- What do you make of modern Kazakhstan?

- Kazakhstan is a bright rising star of Eurasia. Under the astute leadership of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, in a very short time it has covered a very long way. Initially, it strengthened independence and social coherence. During this period, rich natural resources were used for prosperity and happiness of its people.

Kazakhstan, initiating the establishment of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICMA) in 1992, pioneered the creation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in our region. In 2010, Turkey took over presidency in the CICA from Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan's contribution to global peace and security is not limited to the CICA. Your republic has been carrying out important work in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). In addition, within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, it actively participates in efforts related to the Islamic world.

Until 2010, Kazakhstan had been chairman in the CICA. In 2010, it took over the chairmanship of the OSCE and the OSCE summit, which I also attended, was held in Astana. The following year, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the SCO, Kazakhstan hosted its summit. On top of it, your state successfully organized the 38th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation.

In the case of its election to the UN Security Council for 2017-2018, Kazakhstan will be effectively working as part of the UN Security Council.

All these steps are taken to promote prosperity, peace and security of the vast region. The whole world appreciates it. In Turkey, we are also proud of Kazakhstan's gains.

- Mr. President, how do you see the future of Kazakhstan ?

- I firmly believe that the future of Kazakhstan will be very bright. I believe in its continuing peace, stability and economic recovery, because, as President Nursultan Nazarbayev said '' independence is the most sacred value of Kazakhstan''. The people of Kazakhstan know very well the value of hard -won independence and stability. Certainly, natural resources are very important too. They are necessary for economic recovery. But the most important wealth of Kazakhstan is not oil or metals but its visionary leaders and trained personnel.

I am pleased to see that Kazakhstan did not settle for today's successes and has set new goals for 2050. Given its present achievements, I believe all the targets set will be easily reached. In this process, we will continue our cooperation with Kazakhstan to the advantage of our fraternal nations.

- What would you like to wish to the people of Kazakhstan?

- On behalf of the Turkish people and on my own behalf, I heartily congratulate the people of Kazakhstan on the Independence Day! I wish peace, harmony and eternal prosperity to Kazakhstan. Through your agency, I would like to convey greetings and congratulations to President Nursultan Nazarbayev and best wishes to all Kazakhstanis.