[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 109 (Monday, June 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN FOR HOSTING EXPO 2017 AND ON 
       THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF KAZAKHSTAN'S CAPITAL CITY, ASTANA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 26, 2017

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic 
of Kazakhstan on hosting the much anticipated EXPO 2017, and to 
congratulate them on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the 
capital city Astana, where the Expo is being held.
  The theme for EXPO 2017 is ``Future Energy,'' which is particularly 
fitting for Kazakhstan as the country has become a leader in renewable 
energy in Central Asia. Kazakhstan's efforts with the United Nations 
Framework Convention on Climate Change in the 1990's, as well as their 
ratification of the more recent Kyoto Protocol extension, clearly 
exhibit their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and 
slowing global warming. Domestically, Kazakhstan continues to construct 
hydropower plants, providing jobs to local communities while meeting 
the increasing demands for energy in Eurasia. Additionally, the 
Kyzylorda and Aral regions have been proposed for the installation of 
solar power plants and solar stills in rivers to better provide clean 
drinking water to those areas in need of this life sustaining resource. 
Finally, Kazakhstan has provided robust funding for research dedicated 
to the advancement of wind energy efficiency.
  I would like to also note the great work of our Kazakh friends in 
building Astana into one of the most industrialized cities in Central 
Asia over the past 20 years. This diligent work has resulted in Astana 
exhibiting remarkable growth in investment, industrial output, and 
small business development since its designation as capital in 1997. In 
addition, Astana's education and healthcare systems serve as a model 
for the programs of fellow recovering post-Soviet nations.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to continuing to pursue a strong U.S.-
Kazakh relationship as we work together to bring peace and security to 
Central Asia, and as we work together to decrease greenhouse gas 
emissions and invest in renewable energy.

                          ____________________