Kazakhstan to stay committed to nuclear security principles - Tokayev

NUR-SULTAN. Aug 29 (Interfax) - The tragedy that did colossal damage to Kazakh soil should never repeat itself, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on the International Day against Nuclear Tests.

"Today is the International Day against Nuclear Tests. It has a huge significance to humanity. Nuclear explosions did colossal damage to Kazakh soil. This tragedy should not repeat itself," Tokayev said on Twitter on Monday.

"Our country will always stay committed to the principles of nuclear security," Tokayev said.

The world's largest nuclear testing range was operating in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan, in 1949-1989. About 500 nuclear tests were performed there over 40 years. The range was formally shut down on August 29, 1991.