CONGRATULATION BY H.E. MR. KASSYM-JOMART TOKAYEV, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBIC OF KAZAKHSTAN, ON THE OCCASION OF 7 MAY – THE FATHERLAND DEFENDERS’ DAY
NUR-SULTAN
7 MAY 2021
CONGRATULATION BY H.E. MR. KASSYM-JOMART TOKAYEV, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBIC OF KAZAKHSTAN, ON THE OCCASION OF 7 MAY – THE FATHERLAND DEFENDERS’ DAY (During a Solemn Ceremony of Awarding High Military and Special Ranks, Class Ranks, as well as Orders and Medals to Servicemen, Members of the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Officers, Took Place in Aqorda Palace)
Fellow Kazakhstani compatriots,
Dear servicemen, members of the armed forces and law enforcement officers,
Happy Fatherland Defenders’ Day!
Along with the Victory Day, these two holidays, which symbolize the heroic traditions of our people, are being held this year under the aegis of the 30th Anniversary of our Independence.
The dignity of sovereignty is in the integrity of our land and the peace of our country. These values are guarded by our Armed Forces. During the years of Independence, thanks to H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - the Leader of the Nation (Elbasy), we have formed a strong defence system of our state.
We have chosen the path of providing a full ammunition load of military weapons for our army. We raised the fighting spirit and professionalism of our soldiers. Today, our army is a strong shield of our country, an unshakable pillar of our Independence.
In recent times, there have been many conflicts around the world. Kazakhstan is a peace-loving state and a country that wants stability all over the world. On the other hand, we can offer rebuff to any action that harms our national interests.
Experts equate the recent confrontation between the superpowers with the situation during the Cold War. Conflicts are occurring in the CIS geography and even in our neighbouring countries. Old problems have been compounded by modern ones. This is an issue that worries all of us. To this end, there is no space for any impromptness and sluggishness. On the contrary, we need to keep a perfect order and a cast-iron discipline in our national defence. Our army and all law enforcement agencies must always be ready to respond to external threats.
As the famous Kazakh proverb say: “The brave warrior men are those who exalting and giving strength to their country”. We are a people whose history is full of heroic traditions throughout its entire course. Our heroic ancestors fought for this vast land and left it to their succeeding generations. And in the past century our grandfathers and fathers won a terrible war. We learn from the past. We pay tribute to the spirit of those who sacrificed their lives for their Fatherland, their people and their country.
Protecting the borders of the homeland and preserving its integrity, ensuring the peace and security of our country is a sacred duty and a high responsibility of every citizen of Kazakhstan.
Thanks to unity, peace and stability, our people can live confidently, without fear and worries. In fact, even in this peaceful life there is a place for heroism and bravery. Courage is a timeless ability because bravery begins with patriotism.
At a time when the coronavirus poses a threat to all mankind, the military and law enforcement agencies are working together to stop the epidemic. Due to their harmonic action, the COVID-19 situation in our country has significantly stabilized.
The army and law enforcement agencies are the main guarantors of our country’s sovereignty and national security. In the context of global changes and geostrategic instability, the role of the military in the world will only increase. Today, Kazakhstan is recognized by others as a catalyst for regional and international stability.
Members of our armed forces are successfully fulfilling their mission within the UN peacekeeping missions. And our national security officers perfectly performed the special humanitarian operation Jusan (Bitter Wormwood), which returned nearly 600 Kazakhstani citizens from Syria to their homeland. As for our Police and the General Prosecutor’s Office, their work is also undergoing improvement gradually and seriously.
On my instructions, the work on reforming the Kazakhstani law enforcement system has begun. Its effective implementation will significantly increase public confidence in the security agencies and uniformed services in general, as well as seriously strengthen law and order and social justice in our society. To strengthen our country’s defence capabilities, our government pay special attention to military training and equipping our Armed Forces. The salaries of members of the armed forces, and law enforcement officers are growing, and their social protection is improving gradually. Our state will pay special attention to providing comprehensive support to all the servicemen.
There are many professionals in our country who have dedicated their lives to the defence of the Fatherland. I consider today’s awards and gratitude to be a real tribute to all the servicemen, members of the armed forces and law enforcement officers.
Your patriotic spirit is, above all, a good example for the younger generation. They look up to you. You have conducted great work and expressed true courage. I hope that the highest state awards will give new impetus to your service to the Fatherland.
I thank all the servicemen, members of the armed forces and law enforcement officers for their dedicated service to the Fatherland!