Yesterday, April 26, regional library named after N.V. Gogol arranged roundtable discussion within the book festival “Astana – the light of hope, peace and kindness”. Roundtable under the name of “Astana – the city of the world”.

This event was held to commemorate the 20 years’ anniversary of our capital. The capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Akmola in 1997, and renamed in May 6^th1998 into Astana.

During the roundtable attendee discussed in great length and detail all aspects of our lovely capital. Topics varied from location, architecture to economics. Members of the meeting talked about wise decision of transferring the capital and also its advantages and the opportunities, that new capital provides for the young generations.

Astana’s favorable location in the center of the Eurasian continent makes it an economically advantageous transport, communication and logistics center, and a natural bridge between Europe and Asia.The transfer of the capital to Astana gave a powerful impetus to its economic development. The city’s high economic growth rates attract numerous investors.The architectural concept of Astana was based on the idea of Nursultan Nazarbayev implying a special Eurasian style of Astana should harmoniously combine the cultural traditions of both the East and the West.

In his keynote speech Nursultan Nazarbayev mentioned the significance of development of the new capital city:

This is not simply the ancient earth of Saryarka, where the new capital was born. It is the cradle of the country’s future. The history of Astana and the future of the people of Kazakhstan are inseparable from each other. Astana embodies power, dynamical development and stability of our country. It has become a strong and prospering city that unites all residents of Kazakhstan and paves its path into the future. The capital city is the heart of our motherland, the symbol of people’s confidence in their own strength and great mission. Nowadays representatives of more than 100 nationalities live in Astana. Both Kazakhstan and its capital city are built on the basis of people’s friendship, mutual understanding and trust,- he concluded.

Roundtable discussion was filled insightful thought and ideas for the future of our capital, with laughter and joy. We encourage you to step up and be the one to build the future with us.

All the members left with great memories and new knowledge about our fascinating capital – Astana!