At the first session of the Halyk Kenesi, President of Kazakhstan Qasym-Jomart Toqaev outlined the key areas of work for the new body, infohub.kz reports.
The head of state emphasized that the Halyk Kenesi, which has been granted high constitutional status, will also deal with ethnocultural associations, which are widely represented in it.
Qasym-Jomart Toqaev recalled that whereas previously five members of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan were included in the Senate under a parliamentary quota, the Halyk Kenesi now includes 42 representatives of ethnocultural associations.
"This is one third of the entire membership, which is convincing confirmation of the importance of the APK's mission for the sustainable and successful development of Kazakhstan. Now the main task is to focus on productive activity. First of all, it is necessary to ensure long-term continuity in approaches to strengthening interethnic and interfaith harmony. The Halyk Kenesi could become a center for developing a new Concept of Unity and Accord. In other words, the Halyk Kenesi will need to focus on consolidating ethnocultural associations and other public organizations working in this area," the president concluded.
He added that at the regional level, the Qogamdyq Kelisim network will continue its work on the basis of the Houses of Friendship. Ethnocultural associations will be represented in local public councils and will be able to participate in the work of standing committees, sectoral commissions, and consultative-advisory bodies of the Qazaqstan Halyk Kenesi.