ASTANA -- Kazakhstan marked its independence day Sunday (December 16) with festive concerts and cultural events throughout the country, Kazinform reported.
Residents and tourists enjoyed celebrations in Astana, including a festive fireworks show over the Yessil River at the end of the day.
The day "is the main holiday for all citizens of our country", President Nursultan Nazarbayev said in a speech on its eve.
"Twenty-seven years ago we made a fateful decision ... the era of independence unveiled limitless horizons and unique opportunities for creation and growth," he said.
"We have created an efficient system of state administration that meets modern global challenges. We have earned the respect and trust of the entire international community thanks to our balanced and open policy," Nazarbayev said.
