[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 96 (Thursday, June 14, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S7725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO KAZAKHSTAN AMBASSADOR KANAT SAUDABAYEV

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I wish to send my best wishes to the new 
Kazakhstan Secretary of State, Kanat Saudabayev. Before assuming his 
new position, Secretary Saudabayev served as the Kazakh Ambassador to 
the United States for almost 7 years. During this time, I have had the 
privilege of working closely with Secretary Saudabayev in strengthening 
the relationships between Kazakhstan, the United States, and 
particularly Louisiana.
  On May 15, 2007, Ambassador Saudabayev was appointed to the position 
of Secretary of State for Kazakhstan. This elevation follows a two-
decade career as a diplomat. His postings include such important 
nations as the United Kingdom and Turkey during the 1990s. In December 
2000, Secretary Saudabayev was selected as the Ambassador to the United 
States.
  Secretary Saudabayev has proven what a skilled diplomat can do in 
Washington. Representing a young nation with immense potential, he has 
built Kazakhstan's reputation as a reliable ally in the war on 
terrorism and a pro-American voice in Central Asia.
  While Ambassador, Secretary Saudabayev helped arrange two White House 
meetings between President Bush and Kazakh President Nursultan 
Nazarbayev, promoted massive U.S. investment in his country, and even 
turned a satirical movie about Kazakhstan into a promotional vehicle to 
attract tourists.
  Additionally, I must express my personal thanks for Secretary 
Saudabayev and Kazakhstan's contributions to my home State of 
Louisiana. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Secretary Saudabayev 
presented $50,000 in donations to St. Bernard Unified School and 
education in New Orleans and made a significant donation to the Bush-
Clinton Katrina Fund on behalf of Kazakhstan.
  Kazakhstan and Louisiana have a unique and unprecedented 
relationship. Through Secretary Saudabayev's dedication and hard work, 
Kazakhstan and Louisiana have executed a direct trade agreement, a 
conduit of business and ideas between my home State and Kazakhstan. In 
addition to this, Secretary Saudabayev has been working with 
Congressman Melancon and me to expand Louisiana's business presence in 
Kazakhstan. For example, we have been working toward opening 
Kazakhstan's energy markets to Louisiana companies.
  Although Kazakhstan is a young nation, it has shown tremendous 
progress and occupies an enviable place in the international community. 
Secretary Saudabayev has made significant contributions to the 
establishment of strong and friendly relations between Kazakhstan and 
the United States, and I am confident that through his new role as the 
Secretary of State, he will continue to do so. Therefore, I would like 
to congratulate Secretary Saudabayev and look forward to working with 
him in his new capacity.

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