Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made an address on the occasion of the International Day against Nuclear Tests. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

The President recalled that today the world community marks the International Day against Nuclear Tests, established by the UN General Assembly on Kazakhstan's initiative.

"35 years ago, despite the difficult international situation, the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site was closed. The explosions carried out over decades caused enormous damage to the health of our citizens and the environment, bringing irreparable tragedy to our people. This day is especially important as it reminds us of the severe consequences of nuclear tests for all humanity and calls on the world community to prevent such a catastrophe," Tokayev said.

The President noted that Kazakhstan voluntarily gave up the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal, making a historic choice in favor of peace, security, and sustainable development.

According to the Head of State, the preamble of the new Constitution clearly states the country's aspiration for peace and friendly relations with all states, and this principle remains an unshakable foundation of our foreign policy.

"As one of the leaders of the international anti-nuclear movement, our position is unchanged: we support not confrontation but negotiations between nuclear powers, we call for accelerating the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and for taking bold joint steps to eliminate threats related to the use of nuclear weapons. We believe that atomic energy should be used only for constructive purposes," the President said.

He stated that the people at the national referendum unanimously supported the strategic direction of nuclear energy development, and therefore all ongoing reforms in all spheres are aimed at achieving this goal.

"We are building a Just, Advanced, and Clean Kazakhstan. Together, as one country, we will achieve our high goals. I firmly believe in this," Tokayev said.

August 29 is the International Day against Nuclear Tests.