ASTANA. December 17. KAZINFORM The years of independence on their development and immensity have become for us as an epoch; Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Austria Yerzhan Kazykhanov said during a solemn reception dedicated to the 18^th anniversary of Kazakhstan's Independence Day; the press-service of the Kazakh Embassy said.

According to him "having chosen a golden key to its prosperity peace, concord and friendship of over 130 nationalities and religions, modern Kazakhstan continues to implement economic and democratic reforms strengthening partner relations with the members of the world community".

He also added that "the upcoming chairmanship of Kazakhstan in OSCE with its headquarter in Vienna - is an opportunity in the matter of strengthening the regional and global security, a possibility to give a new impulse to all constructive processes and contribute to the development of mutual understanding in the OSCE zone of responsibility".

The event was held by the Kazakh Embassy in Austria and Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to OSCE in Ferstel Palace. Over 500 representatives of political, business and cultural establishments of Austria, as well as heads of international organizations in Vienna, members of diplomatic mission, mass media, a number of public figures of Austria and Europe and Kazakh Diaspora took part in the event.