The 5th session of the National Congress was held in Kyzylorda under the chairmanship of Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. At the meeting, the President spoke extensively about the historical, spiritual, and socio-economic significance of the Syr region.

The Head of State, recalling that previous sessions of the National Kurultai were held in the cities of Ulytau, Turkestan, Atyrau and Kokshetau, noted that Kyzylorda is a special region for our people. According to the President, the phrase "Syr is the mother of Alash" clearly indicates the special role of this region in the history of the country. He noted that the location of such ancient cities as Shirik-Rabat, Zhankent, Syganak proves that a developed urban culture has existed on Kazakh land since ancient times.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recalled that Kyzylorda was the capital of Kazakhstan a century ago, noting that important decisions regarding the future of the state were made here. He also noted that the Syr Valley is a major center of zhyrau, zhyrchy and kuishil arts, and is the region where such great artists as Zhienbai, Nurtugan, and Nartai came from.

The President noted that the Syr region is rich in hardworking people, noting that during the Soviet era, about 100 Heroes of Labor came from this region, and the famous rice farmer Ybray Zhakayev became a symbol of hard work.

The meeting also focused on the socio-economic development of the region. The Head of State noted that in recent years the gross domestic product of the Kyzylorda region has grown by 6.5 percent, and about 2 trillion tenge of investment has been attracted to the region over the past three years. Last year, 27 investment projects were implemented. He noted that the commissioning of a new thermal power plant has increased the energy security of the region.

He also noted that the region's residents are provided with high-quality drinking water, 80 percent of the population is covered by gas, and road, air, and railway infrastructure is being modernized. A new terminal at Korkyt Ata Airport has been opened, and the railway station in Kyzylorda has been renovated.

The President also noted positive changes in the social sphere. Over the past three years, dozens of educational, cultural, sports and medical facilities have been built in the region. Currently, a 300-bed multidisciplinary hospital is being built in Kyzylorda, and a new polyclinic and maternity hospital are planned to be built in the near future.

In conclusion, the Head of State specifically touched upon the issue of the Aral Sea, noting the results of the work carried out to preserve the North Aral Sea. Noting that the project to raise the Kokaral dam will be implemented, he noted that agreements with neighboring countries are important for the effective use of water resources. The President noted that, in addition to the Aral Sea, the fate of the Caspian, Balkhash and Irtysh rivers also depends on interregional agreements.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the Kyzylorda region is developing rapidly in all areas, and assessed the positive changes in the region as the result of the systematic work of the regional leadership.