MESSAGE FROM H.E. SERGEY VIKTOROV, AMBASSADOR OF KAZAKHSTAN TO SRI LANKA ON THE OCCASION OF THE REPUBLIC DAY OF KAZAKHSTAN

On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Sri Lanka, I am honoured to extend my heartfelt congratulations to citizens of Kazakhstan and warm greetings to our friends in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Republic Day, which is celebrated on October 25th.

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This day holds profound meaning for our nation. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty on October 25, 1990 a landmark event that laid the foundation for Kazakhstan's independence and the birth of a modern democratic state.

The Declaration affirmed the supremacy of national laws, the right of the Kazakh people to determine their own destiny, and the principles of territorial integrity and political independence. It was a courageous step towards selfdetermination, taken at a time of great change within the former Soviet Union. The document gave our nation the confidence to take its future into its own hands and became the first milestone on the road to full independence, which Kazakhstan achieved on December 16th, 1991.

As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted in 2022: "Republic Day should become a symbol of the country's bold step towards statehood. The Declaration of State Sovereignty opened the way to our sacred Independence. Therefore, this document has historical significance. From now on, we celebrate the Republic Day as a national holiday- a symbol of the origins of Kazakhstan's statehood.

Over the past 35 years, Kazakhstan has undergone a remarkable transformation. From the moment of independence, the country has followed a consistent path of peace, reform, and development. Today, Kazakhstan stands as one of the most stable and dynamically growing nations in Central Asia, known for its interethnic harmony, social cohesion, and commitment to global cooperation.

Kazakhstan's economy has diversified and modernized, becoming one of the leading economies in the region. Our capital Astana has emerged as a vibrant center of diplomacy, culture, and innovation, hosting major international events that promote dialogue and understanding.

Republic Day is not only a celebration of our sovereignty but also a tribute to the enduring values that guide our nation: unity, peace, tolerance, and progress.