Kazakhstan celebrates 18th anniversary of adoption of its Constitution

The 18th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Kazakhstan was observed across the country and in diplomatic missions across the world on Friday.

Eighteen years ago, on 30 August 1995, by national referendum, the new Constitution of Kazakhstan was adopted, replacing the country's Fundamental Law that was in force since January 1993, and which was originally defined as a Constitution of the transitional period.

Kazakhstan's New Fundamental Law has absorbed the best of international practice in the constitutional development of states that are at various phases of development.

President Nursultan Nazarbayev pointed out that the Constitution approved "the unity of the people, and has become the creative basis for the development of the country."

Almost 22 years ago, on 16 December 1991, Kazakhstan declared its independence by adopting the law on state sovereignty.

Today, after two decades, it can be told with confidence that Kazakhstan has become a successful, sovereign state and is an equal partner of the world community, besides being a guarantor of interfaith and interethnic accord.

Constitution Day is a festival day in Kazakhstan and has a special significance for the sovereign state, and to each of its citizens.

It has established a high standard by the democratic reforms in the state and society, and opened new possibilities for the individual, besides approval of a civilized market.

Kazakhstan consists of over 130 nationalities. More than 40 religious sectors live and work in peace and harmony.

The prospects of cooperation between Kazakhstan and India are bright. Today Kazakhstan accounts for more than half of India's trade with the Central Asian countries.

The total trade level between Kazakhstan and India in 2012 reached 525 billion USD, an increase of 105.30 percent compared with the same period of 2011.