From Kazakhstan, Happy Republic Day (and a personal on thought on being awarded the Order of Parasat).

Today is a very important day for Kazakhs. It is Republic Day, Республика күні in Kazakh, the day on which we celebrate the Kazakh SSR's sovereignty from the Soviet Union, and we embarked on the path to independence.

It is hard to overestimate the meaning behind this day in our national and state history. The celebration, a public holiday in our country, which we celebrate every October 25, reminds us of a key day that sparked a new hope among our people that very soon we could become independent.

October 25, 1990 opened a new chapter for our country. It revived our diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-confessional society in the secular state. It gave rise to multiple a new social dialogue and to a new nation embracing open dialogue and democratic values.

Diversity continues to enrich our day-to-day life. In an open and forward-looking society like ours, ideas and worldviews flow freely, we have grown as an economy, our unemployment is low, and we have also become a major destination for global investors.

Above all, we have become a country of peace, trust, and harmony.

However, in a personal note, yesterday was also a profoundly important day in my life.

In celebration of Republic Day, I was decorated by Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with the Order of Parasat, one of the most important orders in our country, alongside a unique group of friends and colleagues in the fields of innovation and economics who are committed to the country and its people.

The Order of Parasat is awarded by the President of Kazakhstan to individuals who have contributed to the spiritual or intellectual potential of Kazakhstan
since 1993.

I feel honoured to be considered one of them.

Being recognized by our President, by my country, to which my family and I have dedicated our entire lives, is a source of pride, but it is also a reminder that we must continue working every day to make our republic a strong, safe place that has confidence in the future and works for tomorrow.

Friends from all over the world, from Kazakhstan, Happy Republic Day.