President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on formation of three new regions in the country. Press service of the head of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported.
These are: Ulytau, Zhetisu and Abai regions. There are 17 regions in the country now. New regions were formed due to the withdrawal of districts from neighboring regions.
Earlier, speaking to the people of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed to form Abai region with the center in the city of Semey.
Another initiative of Tokayev was creation of Ulytau region on the territory of the former Zhezkazgan region.
The President of Kazakhstan proposed to divide Almaty region into two parts — Zhetysu and Almaty regions. Kapshagai should become the center of Almaty region, and the center of Zhetisu region will be located in Taldykorgan.
Later, the onomastic commission unanimously approved the names of new regions in Kazakhstan.
Thus, after the emergence of new regions, Kazakhstan will administratively consist of 20 territorial units: 17 regions and three cities of republican significance.
The decree will come into effect on June 8.
