Nursultan Nazarbayev calls people to unite in countering pandemic, initiates a fund

In his address to the people, the First President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, called the coronavirus pandemic a “perfect storm” and urged people to unite in countering the virus.

“The current challenging time is, to some extent, comparable to the early 1990s, when it was tough for us. I urge all citizens to support the actions of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the government”, Nazarbayev said.

The First President proposed the creation of a special fund, which would accumulate contributions of people who want and can help the country in this difficult period.

The purpose of the fund will include targeted assistance to socially vulnerable segments of the population in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty, which are under quarantine.

“It is necessary to pay attention to the uninterrupted provision of everything necessary for the older generation, pupils of orphanages, and patients in specialized hospitals,” said the First President.

Nazarbayev also called for the support of doctors and medical workers, law enforcement officials and military personnel who are at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic these days.

“The accumulated foreign exchange reserves and funds of the National Fund allow us to carry on reforms and support our economy in difficult years. Kazakhstan has all the necessary resources, including financial ones,” the First President emphasized.

Later, a spokesman for the First President, Aidos Ukibay, informed that the fund initiated by Mr.Nazarbayev raised $41 million during the first two days.