[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF KAZAKHSTAN'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JEFF FORTENBERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th 
anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence and the establishment of 
diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the United States of 
America. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 
people of Kazakhstan on the tremendous progress achieved by their 
country during the past quarter century.
   The U.S. is the first country to have recognized Kazakhstan's 
independence and since then we have significantly increased our areas 
of cooperation. However, the cornerstone of the U.S.--Kazakhstan 
relations has always been cooperation in nuclear non-proliferation and 
security.
   After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan inherited the 
fourth largest nuclear arsenal in the world and the world's largest 
nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk. In the first years of Kazakhstan's 
independence, President Nazarbayev renounced nuclear weapons and closed 
the Semipalatinsk Test Site. The United States provided Kazakhstan with 
comprehensive assistance in the removal of nuclear warheads, weapons-
grade materials, and their supporting infrastructure.
   Five years after gaining its independence, Kazakhstan signed the 
Comprehensive-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and ratified it in May of 2002. 
The CTBT bans any nuclear weapon test explosion above or below ground 
or any other contained environment. Ratifying the CTBT was a milestone 
toward creating a safer world. However, as a universally recognized 
leader in nuclear non-proliferation, Kazakhstan understands that it is 
time to move from a nuclear test ban to a nuclear-weapons free world. 
This is why Kazakhstan and its neighbors--Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, 
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan--created the Central Asian Nuclear Weapons-
Free Zone.
   We should acknowledge that Kazakhstan has continued to show its 
commitment expanding its cooperation with the United States on matters 
of nuclear non-proliferation. As an important example, our two 
countries are collaborating in building the Nuclear Security Training 
Center (NSTC). The NSTC will provide training of personnel on security 
and safeguards essential for safe operation of nuclear facilities in 
Kazakhstan.
   Twenty-five years of close cooperation between Kazakhstan and the 
United States are the foundation of an important strategic partnership 
focused on creating a world without nuclear weapons and ultimately a 
more stable peace around the globe. It is important that we recognize 
Kazakhstan's leadership in nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. 
Kazakhstan continues to serve as an example to the international 
community, and the United States must remain committed to supporting 
Kazakhstan's efforts to further prevent the proliferation of nuclear 
weapons and materials toward a goal of global security.
   Mr. Speaker, it is a true pleasure to celebrate the quarter century 
of Kazakhstan's independence. I would like to extend my warm wishes to 
the people of Kazakhstan and President Nazarbayev.

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