Head of state: tens of thousands of kilometres of roads and railways built in seven years

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed a ceremonial gathering marking Republic Day, outlining the country's progress in transport infrastructure and digital technology. According to Egemen.kz, Tokayev said that over the past seven years tens of thousands of kilometres of motor roads and railways had been built and repaired.

Tokayev said transport, energy and digital networks linking Europe and Asia pass through Kazakhstan. He credited responsible and consistent foreign policy with raising the country's international prestige, and said the Kazakh passport enjoys high standing and that doors are open to citizens and business representatives in all countries.

On digital development, Tokayev cited the Alem.ai international artificial intelligence centre and the Astana Hub technopark in the capital. He said IT services exports had exceeded $1 billion and that two supercomputers had been launched, with another due to be commissioned soon. He also noted the start of the national Digital Qazaqstan strategy. Separately, a decree awarded Abdirashit Dospanov, a smelter at the Zhezkazgan copper smelting plant of Kazakhmys Smelting LLP, the title Hero of Labour.