[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 144 (Monday, December 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1673-E1674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     KAZAKHSTAN'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 1, 2014

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend congratulations 
to the people of Kazakhstan and President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the 
occasion of Kazakhstan's national holiday--Independence Day. Under the 
leadership of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan has reached 
considerable success in economic development, increased the living 
standard of its nation and enjoys authority in the region and in the 
world arena. Promoting the ideals of democracy and progress as well as 
standing for ensuring comprehensive security and stability, Kazakhstan 
has become an active member of the global community and America's 
strategic partner. Successfully hosting the OSCE Summit in Astana, 
serving as the chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and 
President Nursultan Nazarbayev's personal contribution to promotion of 
inter-ethnic and religious tolerance demonstrates that in the last 
twenty three years of independence Kazakhstan has reached great success 
in its development as a sovereign, stable and a prospering state.
  Kazakhstan plays an important role in Central Asia and by far is a 
rightful leader in the region. The United States is grateful for 
Kazakhstan's steadfast friendship and solidarity in the Global War on 
Terrorism, and its adherence to stabilization and rehabilitation of 
Afghanistan. President Obama highly commended Kazakhstan's efforts in 
the organization and holding of Iran 5+1 nuclear talks in Almaty in 
2013. The dialogue on strategic partnership between the U.S. and 
Kazakhstan continues to demonstrate the common vision and commitment we 
share to solve modern challenges. From Project Sapphire and the Degelen 
Mountain to the closure of an anthrax factory in Stepnogorsk, 
Kazakhstan has not just talked but has acted and delivered in making 
the world a safer place.
  Kazakhstan has become a state with stable institutions and a dynamic 
economy. It has become a member of the international community, 
recognizing its responsibilities both at regional and international 
levels to maintain dialogue among religions and cultures. Kazakhstan is 
especially a stabilizing influence in Central Asia.
  This holiday is considered a symbol of freedom and independence of 
our state. During the short historical period the people of Kazakhstan 
have managed to construct the democratic, legal and economically 
independent state.
  Kazakhstan has launched an ambitious national program to make the 
country one of the 30 most competitive nations in the world by 2050. 
President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced the plan on December, 2013 in 
his annual state of the nation address and laid out wide-ranging 
reforms.
  The nation's new economic strategy, the Nurly Zhol (Bright Path) 
announced by President Nazarbayev at a recent state-of-the-nation 
address on Nov. 11, 2014, serves as a clear vision for efficient and 
sustainable development in Kazakhstan. In this period of global

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economic instability, the strategy will allow Kazakhstan to strengthen 
its already strong trajectory of sustained growth.
  I have every confidence that Kazakhstan will achieve the objectives 
of the Kazakhstan 2050 strategy and that the United States will support 
these efforts.

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