N. Nazarbayev congratulated children participating in Presidential New Year Parties

"Today we are saying good-bye to the year 2009. It was an uneasy year, but  due to coordinated work of all Kazakhstanis, their efforts, we have reached a lot in this period. All our efforts were directed on ensuring prosperity of the country and your future", the President said.

150 children at the age of 9-13 have gathered in the capital's Palace of Peace and Accord for a festive show entitled "New Year Miracles in the World of Friendship". Over half of the participants are the foster-children of Astana Orphanage, the others are from the orphanages for minors, Solovyova Orphanage, SOS-village of Astana and orphans from educational institutions of the capital city.

According to the President, many of these children have already demonstrated success in study - they are winners of international olympiads, competitions, sports events.

"Kazakhstani children must always strive for knowledge. I am confident that your success and fame will bring glory to our country . Here I see the key to our future prosperity!", N. Nazarbayev stressed and wished the children to preserve friendship with their peers which started in early childhood.