President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye became the first person to be awarded Kazakhstan’s new order, the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Order. The award ceremony took place in Astana, where the Turkish leader had arrived for an official visit after meeting with Kazakhstan's President Kassym Jomart Tokayev.
The Order was presented to Erdoğan by Tokayev. Previously, during an expanded meeting, Tokayev stated that this order would be a vivid expression of the genuine respect felt by the people of Kazakhstan.
Tokayev noted in a statement at the award ceremony that under Erdoğan, Türkiye "had become a strong and powerful state, achieving remarkable successes."
The President of Kazakhstan said:
"President Erdoğan is a remarkable statesman who consistently upholds justice and responsibility in global politics.
Your concept of 'The World Bigger Than Five' has gained great recognition. This is, without a doubt, a bold statement against the inequity in the system of international relations.
Furthermore, you carry out a unique role in strengthening cooperation between the Turkic and Islamic World. Without exaggeration, you are one of the most respected leaders in the Turkic World. You work tirelessly to strengthen the spiritual and political unity of brotherly countries."
Erdoğan expressed gratitude to Tokayev for the order, accepting it as a sign of respect for Türkiye and its citizens.
The Senate of Kazakhstan ratified the amendments to the Law on State Orders on 14 May. The Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Order is "conferred to domestic and foreign scientists, community leaders, and statesmen for their contributions to the advancement of the state, the human sphere, and education."