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President Tokayev Shifts Focus to Citizens Amid Natural Disasters in Kazakhstan

in News / Kazakhstan - by


President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during the XXXIII session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan "Unity. Creation. Progress" on April 25, 2024, that the main task in the country now is to return the affected citizens to normal life.

The President emphasized that the world has entered an era of catastrophes, and Kazakhstan is no exception.

"Unprecedented floods are happening in many regions of our country. Our main task is to ensure the safety of citizens. The government is taking all necessary measures, allocating appropriate funds. Large companies and business representatives are providing assistance," added Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The head of state noted that the priority task now is to restore homes damaged by natural disasters and return the affected citizens to normal life.

"Therefore, I have given a specific instruction to reduce previously planned international events in the country. The Astana International Forum will not take place this year. Of course, this is a necessary and important forum for us, but it can be postponed. The focus is on meetings and events that are of paramount importance for the well-being of the country," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President reminded that the Assembly sessions have always been held on the eve of Unity Day.

"Today's session is taking place against a difficult backdrop. But this meeting is necessary for us at this very moment because the circumstances confirm the enduring relevance of our core values – unity and solidarity," stated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to him, our people have faced a tough test.

"We have encountered a devastating natural disaster that has affected half of the country. But in these difficult days, the unity of our people has been vividly demonstrated: rescuers, volunteers, civil servants, military personnel, law enforcement officers, civic activists, business representatives, and youth. No one has stood aside from the common cause. The spirit of unity and solidarity has embraced all regions of the country. Many of our compatriots, driven by compassion and empathy, have helped those affected by the floods. I am immensely grateful to the citizens who have shown genuine patriotism, making a significant contribution to the fight against the disaster," summarized Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President noted that as a result of the coordinated efforts of the government, state bodies, relevant services, and the assistance of volunteers, more than 119,000 people were evacuated in a timely manner, including nearly 45,000 children.

On March 20, 2024, the head of state signed an order convening the XXXIII session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The agenda is "Unity. Creation. Progress." The document stated that the next session of the Assembly will take place on April 24-25 in Astana at the Presidential Center.

On April 24, the head of state relieved two deputy heads of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, Akbarjon Ismailov and Aurik Dyaq, of their duties. They were replaced by Lugmar Bularov and Yuri Shin.

It is worth noting that the XXXII session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan took place on April 27, 2023, in Astana at the Palace of Peace and Accord. Its agenda was: "A Just Kazakhstan: Unity, Stability, Development."