President of Kazakhstan Qasym-Jomart Toqaev has announced the launch of work to reform the Armed Forces and build a new-model army. The head of state made the announcement during a speech at an event marking the professional holiday of Kazakh rescuers, where he also congratulated them and presented state awards, infohub.kz reports.
According to the President, Kazakhstan's army must be advanced, strong, in line with modern requirements and ready to repel any threat. "Work on reforming the Armed Forces and building a new-model army has now begun on my instructions," Akorda quoted him as saying.
Toqaev stressed that the state's strategic task is to protect Kazakhstan's independence and sovereignty, ensure national security and safeguard citizens' rights and freedoms.
As the source notes, after the tragedy on the Caspian Sea, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Qasym-Jomart Toqaev ordered a military reform plan to be prepared in Kazakhstan. In the head of state's view, the deaths of 14 service members during exercises on the Caspian Sea clearly exposed numerous shortcomings and a lack of professionalism in the army.
"The time has come for a fundamental military reform. This is an urgent task. In this connection, I have made personnel changes," the President said.