By Aliia Raimbekova and Jeyhun Aliyev

ASTANA, Kazakhstan

President Nursultan Nazarbayev dismissed the government on Thursday citing a lack of economic growth.

"Despite the implementation of state programs, there have been no concrete results," said a statement from the president on the official website.

“The government along with the National Bank failed to fully create real incentives and tools for high-quality economic growth,” he added.

The Cabinet will continue performing duties until a new government is formed.

However, this marks the end of Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev term which began in 2016.

Vice Prime Minster Askar Mamin will serve as interim premier, according to a presidential decree.

Nazarbayev, who has ruled the country since its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, said he will introduce new reforms to improve the quality of life for people.