Kazakhstan holds a genuine affection for Azerbaijan, with which it shares the ancient shores of the Caspian Sea, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
Speaking at the 34th session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, Tokayev stressed that peace and stability are not simply gifts of fate but the outcome of unity and collective resolve, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.
“We saw this clearly last year following the plane crash near Aktau. Our people rushed to help the victims — they queued to donate blood and laid flowers at Azerbaijan’s embassy. The world witnessed the unity and selflessness of our nation,” he said.
Tokayev added that compassion, empathy, and goodwill are intrinsic traits of the Kazakh national character.
Note that on December 25, 2024, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243, an Embraer 190 en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in 39 fatalities and 28 injuries. The aircraft, carrying 67 individuals, was denied landing at multiple Russian airports due to adverse conditions and was diverted to Aktau.
Preliminary investigations suggest the plane may have been inadvertently targeted by Russian air defence systems, specifically the Pantsir-S1, amid ongoing military operations in the region. Electronic warfare measures reportedly disrupted the aircraft's communications, leading to its disappearance from radar before reappearing over the Caspian Sea.
In response, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev established a state commission to conduct a comprehensive investigation, emphasizing transparency and adherence to international aviation standards. The commission, comprising officials from various ministries, is collaborating with international experts from Azerbaijan, Russia, and Brazil.
Rescue operations involved over 300 personnel and specialized equipment. Fourteen injured passengers were transported to Azerbaijan for medical treatment, with one in critical condition. Kazakhstan has pledged ongoing support to the victims' families and is committed to a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents.
By Aghakazim Guliyev
Source: caliber.az
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