2017 was eventful for Kazakhstan. The Astana Process, membership in the UN Security Council, the international exhibition Astana Expo 2017 have contributed to the expansion of cooperation and strengthened the republic’s position on the world stage, Turkish political scientist, professor of Achi Evran University Kurshad Zorlu believes.

KURSHAD ZORLU, TURKISH PROFESSOR, ACHI EVRAN UNIVERSITY:
- 2017 was very important for Kazakhstan. A number of international events took place. In particular, the Syrian crisis, which was on the agenda, was settled peacefully in the summit in Astana. Today's settlement of the situation and the cessation of bloodshed in Syria can be considered the result of the Astana process. The successful holding of the international exhibition EXPO 2017 is another achievement. I should mention the election of Kazakhstan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. I believe that your country will fulfill its mission with dignity. Therefore, I wish you to reach new heights in the New Year!

UK Expo Commissioner Charles Hendry agrees with foreign political scientists and analysts who talk about the growing role of Kazakhstan in the region and in the world. He believes that Kazakhstan will become even more advanced in the future.

CHARLES HENDRY, UK COMMISSIONER, ASTANA EXPO 2017:
- In the New Year I wish you the opportunity look back on the last year to see the success that you have made and then to have new hopes, new ambition, new visions for the year ahead and to see the chance to realize those and I also hope that with Kazakhstan in the Council of the United Nations that we will then see that Kazakhstan.