25 October 2023
The re-election of Kazakhstan President Tokayev and his administration accelerated the transformation and reform of the country’s political, social and economic policies. Kazakhstan celebrates its Republic Day on 25 October every year. Addressing guests at a reception in Pretoria, South Africa, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerkin Akhinzhanov said that this day has unique significance as it marks a pivotal moment in history when, in 1990, Kazakhstan declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union.
Akhinzhanov spoke about the ancient history of this Central Asian country which, for centuries, was a crossroads between East and West along the ancient Silk Road which has been rejuvenated through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI recently celebrated a decade of growth.
Ambassador Akhinzhanov addressing guests (video TDS YouTube channel)
Chief Director of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Sindiswa Mququ delivered a message of congratulations on behalf of Minister Naledi Pandor of Dirco who is currently attending a UNSC meeting on Israel and Palestine.
She reiterated that the modern dispensations of both Kazakhstan and South Africa have much to offer each other as high level visits and discussions between the two countries gather momentum. President Tokayev’s virtual message at the 15th BRICS Summit hosted in South Africa added impetus to deepening relations.
Mququ congratulated Kazakhstan on the successful hosting of the Astana International Forum which brought together the global community to discuss global challenges and finding global solutions. The Forum promoted multilaterism and Mququ emphasized that Kazakhstan and South Africa were concordant when it came to findinging solutions through dialogue.
Chief Director of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Sindiswa Mququ delivering a message of congratulations (video TDS YouTube channel)
A photo exhibition displayed the natural and abundant beauty of the landscape and the people of Kazakhstan on the occasion. Ambassador Akhinzhanov encouraged guests to view the amazing photographs as an inspiration for them to visit his beautiful country.