Thanks to its Constitution Kazakhstan was first in post-soviet space to solve all big problems -Azerbaijani politicians

After 16 years Kazakhstan became not only a leader of Central Asia, but strengthened its role in the international arena. Kazakhstan's presidency in the OSCE, OIC and SCO demonstrates it.

We offer Kazinform readers opinions of a number of Azerbaijani political figures on Kazakhstan's development since it gained independence in 1991 and strengthening of bilateral Azerbaijani-Kazakh relations.

Deputy, Deputy Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Aidyn Mirzazade:

At the dawn of independence of all 15 former Soviet countries in 1991 nobody could predict how their development paths would form, which place they would occupy in the international community. But with regard to Kazakhstan, of course, there were optimistic premise.

Firstly, Kazakhstan was lucky no to pass the way of confrontation and bloodshed, hostility from neighbors as it was in Azerbaijan and some other post-Soviet countries. And the fact that in this transition period young, but experienced Nursultan Nazarbayev headed Kazakhstan, predetermined the fate of this country.

As a result, Kazakhstan without problems passed the transition period both in formation of the political system and economy.

Kazakhstan step by step adopted the positive European experience in the sphere of state construction. Taking into account own experience and experience of other states, Kazakhstan laid basis of independent economy. In parallel, there was started work on building a legal democratic state.

I think that Kazakhstan was the first among 15 post-soviet countries to solve all big problems it has faced. I consider the readiness of the Kazakh society for construction of the independent state, and the role of N.Nazarbayev in its development and, of course, adoption of new Constitution, played an important role.

Thus, present day Kazakhstan is one of the influential and prosperous countries in the region and the whole world. It gives an example of serious efforts to build the rule of law, to respect the rights and freedoms of its citizens and ensure them a decent life, as well as to build good relations with neighboring countries.

Kazakhstan backs Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Our countries cooperate in various fields. We see the success of Kazakhstan and its President Nursultan Nazarbayev. We wish future success and prosperity to Kazakhstan.

Deputy Chief of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration's Social and
Political Affairs Department Arastun Mehdiyev:

It is very important for Azerbaijan to maintain and develop the existing relations with Kazakhstan in all spheres. We really appreciate the fact that one of our closest and most important Caspian Sea neighbors is Kazakhstan. We have common cultural and historical roots with Kazakhstan.

Political scientist Tofiq Abbasov:

In the post-soviet space Kazakhstan is the country that shows an example of rapid development and integration into the global community. The issue is not the chairmanship of the OSCE and successful holding of the summit of the Organization, but integration as a means of comprehensive development.

I would like to praise the foreign policy initiatives of President Nazarbayev, and the most important, the policy of rejuvenating the country's ruling elite.