“I want to say that the decision to close the border was correct. It is necessary to protect the citizens of Kazakhstan from the importation of infection,” Tokayev said at a meeting of the government commission on the state of emergency.

The head of state noted that the pandemic in the world is gaining momentum. According to him, in many countries the situation is very difficult.

“We are taking all necessary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection. But the situation is under control,” Tokayev said.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan reported that the country’s authorities decided to close the border for entry and exit due to the threat of the spread of coronavirus.

As of March 16, 33 cases of coronavirus infection were registered in Kazakhstan. The government introduced a state of emergency in the country until April 15.

Also, the President of Kazakhstan instructed to introduce a state of emergency in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty from March 16.

According to the President, quarantine will be introduced in these cities. Tokayev noted that the movement of citizens will be limited, but the work of transport, shops and pharmacies will continue.

The head of state also called on citizens not to panic. “There is no reason for panic,” he said.

Tokayev also noted that Kazakhstan is ready to provide assistance to other countries in the fight against coronavirus.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a vast Central Asian nation with a rich nomadic heritage, historically part of the Silk Road and later the Soviet Union. It declared independence in 1991 and has since developed into a modern, resource-rich country, with its capital, Astana (now Nur-Sultan), symbolizing its futuristic ambitions. Today, it is known for its diverse landscapes, from the steppes to the Tian Shan mountains, and its blend of traditional and contemporary culture.

Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan, now known as Astana again as of 2022, is the capital city of Kazakhstan, originally founded as a fortress in 1830. It became the country’s capital in 1997, replacing Almaty, and was renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 in honor of the former president Nursultan Nazarbayev. The city is renowned for its futuristic architecture, including the Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, symbolizing Kazakhstan’s rapid modernization.

Almaty

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and served as the country’s capital from 1929 to 1997 before the capital moved to Astana. Historically known as Alma-Ata, the city grew from a Silk Road settlement into a major cultural and economic hub, surrounded by the stunning Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Today, it remains a vibrant center for trade, education, and tourism, known for its apple orchards, Soviet-era architecture, and modern urban life.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a vast Central Asian country known for its nomadic heritage and the modern city of Astana (now Nur-Sultan), which was rebuilt as the capital in 1997. Historically, it was part of the Silk Road and later the Soviet Union, gaining independence in 1991. Its cultural sites include the ancient mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkistan and the Almaty region’s petroglyphs.

Silk Road

The Silk Road was a vast network of trade routes connecting East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, flourishing from around the 2nd century BCE to the 15th century CE. It facilitated not only the exchange of goods like silk, spices, and precious metals but also the spread of ideas, religions, and cultures between civilizations. While its use declined with the rise of maritime trade, the Silk Road remains a powerful symbol of global interconnection and historical cross-cultural dialogue.

Soviet Union

The Soviet Union, officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), was a socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, spanning much of Eurasia. It emerged after the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Russian Civil War, becoming a global superpower under leaders like Lenin and Stalin, known for its centralized economy and communist ideology. The USSR dissolved in 1991, leading to the independence of its 15 republics, including Russia.

Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan, now known as Astana, is the capital city of Kazakhstan, originally founded as a military fort in 1830. It became the capital in 1997, replacing Almaty, and underwent a massive transformation under President Nursultan Nazarbayev, featuring futuristic architecture designed by renowned architects like Norman Foster. The city symbolizes modern Kazakhstan’s ambition, with landmarks such as the Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

Astana

Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, is the capital city of Kazakhstan, designated as such in 1997 to replace Almaty. Originally a small town on the Ishim River, it was transformed under President Nursultan Nazarbayev into a futuristic architectural hub, featuring iconic structures like the Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The city symbolizes Kazakhstan’s modern ambitions and economic growth since independence from the Soviet Union.

Bayterek Tower

Bayterek Tower is a prominent landmark and observation tower in Astana, Kazakhstan, symbolizing the country’s modern aspirations. Its design is inspired by a Kazakh folk tale about a mythical bird of happiness that laid an egg atop a tall poplar tree. Completed in 2002, the tower offers panoramic views of the city and features a golden handprint of the nation’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, also known as the Pyramid of Peace, is a prominent cultural and spiritual site in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Built in 2006 and designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster, it was constructed to host the triennial Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, symbolizing interfaith dialogue and global harmony. Its distinctive pyramid shape, standing 62 meters tall, houses a 1,500-seat opera house, a museum, and a university, reflecting Kazakhstan’s commitment to peace and cultural exchange in the post-Soviet era.

Almaty

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and served as its capital until 1997. Founded in 1854 as a Russian military fortification called Verny, it later became the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. Today, it remains the country’s major cultural, financial, and commercial hub, nestled at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.