TURKPA Chairman-in-Office, Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan receives TURKPA International Referendum Observation Mission

On 13 March 2026, the TURKPA Chairman-in-Office, and the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Yerlan Koshanov received the International Referendum Observation Mission composed of parliamentarians from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye, as well as parliamentary staff, and representatives of the TURKPA International Secretariat led by Secretary General Ambassador Ramil Hasan and Chairman of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations and Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Mr. Osman Mesten, within the framework of a short-term monitoring of the referendum on the draft new Constitution in Kazakhstan.

Extending his sincere gratitude to the esteemed Speakers of the member parliaments for deploying their delegations to this vital mission, Mr. Koshanov briefed the participants on Kazakhstan’s ongoing reforms. He emphasized that the provisions of the new draft Constitution represent a consistent continuation of the systemic reforms initiated by Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev since the beginning of his presidency.

Furthermore, Chairman of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations Mr. Osman Mesten expressed confidence that the referendum would adhere to all international norms and standards, noting that TURKPA observers have consistently monitored all electoral events in Turkic states since the organization's inception. He placed particular emphasis on the profound depth of the preamble, noting how it reflects the centuries-old shared history.

Member of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Ms. Malahat Ibrahimgizi and Member of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Yrysbek Atazhanov expressed their support for the ongoing reforms, conveying their best wishes for the further strengthening of Kazakhstan’s statehood and democratic principles.

In his turn, Ambassador Ramil Hasan underscored the vital role of H.E. Yerlan Koshanov in advancing TURKPA’s initiatives. He noted that the Chairman’s comprehensive support has been instrumental in bolstering the organization’s activities and fostering deeper international relations. Ambassador Hasan also highlighted the deep significance of adopting the term "Kurultai"—an ancient Turkic word—for the Parliament within the new Constitution. He described this as a powerful symbolic gesture that resonates deeply across the entire Turkic world.

During the talks, details were shared regarding TURKPA obtaining the observer status in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, as well as an upcoming high-level event scheduled for 16 April 2026, in Istanbul, held within the framework of the 152nd Plenary Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Ambassador Hasan provided detailed information regarding the informal meeting of the Speakers of TURKPA member parliaments, to be hosted by the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş. In turn, H.E. Yerlan Koshanov gave a verbal consent to participate, noting that it would be a deep pleasure for him to take part in this event.

Concluding his remarks with the powerful affirmation that “A strong Kazakhstan means a strong Turkic world,” Ambassador Ramil Hasan extended his heartfelt congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and presented a specially commissioned commemorative plaque, containing a congratulatory message.

TURKPA International Secretariat was also represented by Deputy Secretary General Talgat Aduov, the Secretary of the Commission Aynura Abutalibova, and the Secretary for organizational and administrative issues Alasgar Aghayev.