Kazakhstan celebrates Independence Day. The country proclaimed state sovereignty 28 years ago after the collapse of the Soviet Union. On the occasion of the national holiday, celebrations, festivals and fairs are held in Nur Sultan and other major cities. The festivities will end with fireworks. On Independence Day, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev was congratulated by the head of the Belarusian state. Alexander Lukashenko expressed hope that friendly relations between Minsk and Nur-Sultan will continue to strengthen.