President: Decision on moving Kazakh capital to Astana was correct

Kazakhstan, Astana, Dec. 10 / Trend D. Mukhtarov / The decision to move the Kazakh capital to Astana made 15 years ago was right, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said at an official reception on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of moving the capital from Almaty to Astana (formerly Akmola). "Today, one can say with certainty that it was the right decision and the idea was fully justified," he said. "Soon we will celebrate the 21st anniversary of our independence and Astana is a symbol of Kazakhstan's achievements." According to the president, there were many sceptics who doubted the correctness of this step, but there was a large number of enthusiasts who immediately came to the new capital and took an active part in its development. "It was necessary to demonstrate the country's opportunities to the international community and ourselves," he said. "We have proved that we can solve big problems." According to Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's decree on October 20, 1997, Akmola has been officially declared the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan since December 10, 1997. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az