Indian Council of World Affairs

H.E. Mr. Qasim-Joomarat Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan,

Professor Duken Masimkhanuly, Director General, R. B. Suleimanov Institute of Oriental Studies, and participants, congratulation on the momentous occasion of the 30th anniversary of the independence of Kazakhstan. Warm greetings also on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute of Oriental Studies, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

2.  Indian Council of World Affairs is an MOU partner of the Institute of Oriental Studies and our collaboration has been productive.

3.  Kazakhstan is playing a vital role in our part of the world. It has put forward innovative ideas and initiatives, including the CICA; the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions; and the Eurasian union. These initiatives all aim to increase engagement and cooperation within the region, and beyond.

4.  In this context, I would like to recall Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the Nazarbayev University in July 2015, where he said: “Kazakhstan is a voice of responsibility and maturity in international forums, including the United Nations.”

5.  As the global pivot is shifting towards the East, Eurasian region is poised to play a significant role. Here, Kazakhstan can be not only an interface within East, rather, it is aptly positioned to bring the East and West convergence.

6.  On its part, India, as an ancient and rich civilisation, will contribute to the re-rise of the East.

7.  India and Kazakhstan have deep historical connections. A great Kazakh son and outstanding personality of the 16th century Mirza Haidar Dughlat is buried in India.

8.  Today, India and Kazakhstan are strategic partners and share views on many regional and global issues, and our cooperation can be important in addressing the common challenges, which our common region has been facing.

9.  With these words, I conclude by wishing the conference a great success and conveying best wishes to the people of Kazakhstan for progress and prosperity.

Thank you.

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