Nazarbayev: Central Asian states - God-given neighbors
The states of the Central Asian region are God-given neighbors. Such a metaphor was applied to Central Asia by the Head of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev at the Meeting of the Astana Club. According to the Kazakh Leader, after 25 years of independence, God himself ordered the countries of the region with a common past, faith, culture and psychology to live together, help each other and strengthen regional security together. He stressed that he is optimistic about the future, and believes that the Central Asian region should unite not against someone, but for the welfare of our states and nations. “From this point of view, I personally observe with great attention that there are cardinal changes in the economy of Uzbekistan. In just a year of this work, the borders between our countries were opened. Trade grew by 30 percent, the exchange happened, joint ventures are created, people come to visit each other, cultural exchange occurs. I observe this with great joy and support this work comprehensively. Wherever possible, we help. It's also happening in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,” the President added. The Head of State noted that the countries of Central Asia are “doomed to be together”. "Kyrgyzstan has recently held elections. I am very optimistic about the future, because the countries of Central Asia are simply doomed to be together, to unite. Not against someone, but for the good of our states, for the prosperity of our nations. I really hope so,” Nazarbayev said. “There is a water problem; there is a problem that these nations live, a large number of Uzbeks, Kyrgyz. Kazakhs live with them, and so we are all mixed here - international families, relatives. Therefore, the further we advance, the further the economic and political situation will stabilize. (...) We are all God-given neighbors,” the Head of State concluded.
