Shimon Peres, the president of Israel, had sent greetings to Nursultan Nazarbaev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and wished a happy 10th anniversary of Astana. He underlined the historical significance of the transfer of the capital into the centre of the country, Kazinform reported, referring to MID RK press.

Shimon Peres stated in his address, "Being knowledgeable in history, I can say that it is better to build a city then to conquer one. When a city is conquered, violence is used, blood is spilt and pain is caused. And after conquest the victors fall under the influence of the nature, form and atmosphere of that city. When a city is built, no one suffers any harm. There is creation instead of blood being spilt. There is hope instead of pain. There is future instead of past."

In the opinion of the Israeli leader, Astana is a city of future and has attracted large international attention and investments. Peres said, "In a short period of time the population of the city reached 700,000 people. The demographic balance of Kazakhstan underwent a significant change and has become more balanced as a result of the capital city being based at the centre of the country, and not on the periphery.

In his address to President Nazarbaev, Shimon Peres noted, "You deserve the utmost respect for your wisdom, creative approach and leadership. It is a great pleasure to witness victory based on innovation and forward outlook, on goodwill and on hope."

Article based on the materials from Kazinform.