President Tokayev meets with representatives of the Dungan diaspora

President • 02 March, 2020

President Tokayev meets with representatives of the Dungan diaspora

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with representatives of the Dungan diaspora at house of culture of Sortobe village, Akorda reports.

Egemen Qazaqstan

The Head of State noted that Kazakhstan is a territory of friendship, peace and harmony, a common Homeland for representatives of all ethnic groups. In the most difficult years, the Kazakh land accepted all the peoples who due to various historical circumstances found themselves here.

The President said that it is necessary to draw correct conclusions from what happened in the Kordai district.

“The tragic events that occurred must be left behind. We have a joint life ahead, a joint creation. We must learn lessons from it. This has never happened before. This is an omission, including by the authorities. Therefore, almost on the same day, I swapped all the leadership of the region, including the heads of law enforcement agencies,” the Head of State stressed.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that the Government Commission headed by Berdibek Saparbayev will work to restore all facilities and resolve social issues. The situation in the region will remain under scrutiny.

The President called on representatives of the Dungan diaspora to educate young people with respect for the culture of each nation, to respect the Kazakh language and state symbols of Kazakhstan.

“Your children should learn Kazakh, know Russian and their native Dungan language. The state will provide all possible assistance in developing your culture and preserving your customs. At the same time, it is very important that your people know the state language. Especially those who live in rural areas,” the Head of State said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also pointed out that young people have good prospects to work throughout Kazakhstan, and not only in several villages of one Kordai district.

“Kazakhstan is a large and rich country. We have fertile land in the North. Why should we stay in one place? Guide your children to the North, to the East. Kazakhstan is a huge country. North, West, South, East – everywhere your children have the opportunity to work and earn money,” the President underscored.

The Head of State called on the audience to do everything to ensure that this tragedy will never happen again. The new leadership of law enforcement agencies in the region is instructed to ensure order and safety of residents, as well as stopping crime.

Shisyr Dinlason, an honorary citizen of the Kordai district also spoke at the meeting and expressed gratitude to the Kazakh people who once sheltered Dungan for their hospitality and mercy. The labor veteran said that local Dungans were very sorry for the events and apologized.

Edik Sularov, teacher of Kazakh language and literature of Sortobe rural school told about his great desire to teach local children the state language and history of Kazakhstan, customs and traditions of the Kazakh people.

Following the meeting, the President of Kazakhstan had a conversation in front of the house of culture with SWAT teamd and National Guard soldiers who ensure public law and order in the villages of Karakemer, Masanchi and Sortobe.