Putin congratulates Tokayev on Baikonur’s 70th anniversary
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech expressing his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, calling it a symbol of space achievements and Kazakh-Russian partnership.
In his video address, Putin addressed Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Russian and Kazakhstani peoples, as well as Baikonur’s employees and long-serving staff.
«The creation of Baikonur, along with the entire space programme, stands as a true feat, a testament to courage, determination and heroic spirit. We honour the monumental, selfless labour of the hundreds of thousands from all the republics of the Union who envisioned, designed and built Baikonur, and who worked at the cosmodrome from its earliest days,» the Russian president said.
He also recalled the crucial milestones in Baikonur’s history, including the launch of the first satellite in 1957, the spaceflights of Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova, the launch of the Salyut-1 orbital station and the Zarya module for the International Space Station.
Over 2,500 launches are credited to Baikonur, while more than 200 cosmonauts have been sent into orbit from the spaceport’s launch facilities.
«It is fitting that the space centre was named Baikonur, meaning ‘rich land’ in Kazakh. Indeed, its contribution to international scientific and technological progress is immense, truly rich in every sense and beyond measure,» Putin emphasized.
Furthermore, the Russian president stated that Baikonur is one of the strongest symbols of Kazakh-Russian strategic cooperation. Dozens of agreements between the two countries regulate all aspects of the spaceport’s and the city of Baikonur’s activities.
«Russia has made, and will continue to make, significant efforts to support the development of the city of Baikonur and to ensure the wellbeing of its residents, both Russian and Kazakh citizens. The active operation of the space centre and the creation of favourable conditions for its continued use remain among our top priorities,» said Putin, sending his congratulations on the cosmodrome’s anniversary.
