[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 7 (Thursday, January 11, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E33-E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           KAZAKHSTAN'S ROLE IN GLOBAL AND REGIONAL SECURITY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. KEN BUCK

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 11, 2018

  Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important role 
Kazakhstan plays in ensuring regional and global security.
   Since declaring its independence from the former Soviet Union in 
1991, Kazakhstan has shown its leadership in nuclear disarmament by 
working with the United States to eliminate regional nuclear weapons 
stockpiles. From the closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site in 1991 to 
the opening of Kazakhstan's Nuclear Security Training Center in 2017, 
the country has demonstrated its leadership in strengthening 
international security through promoting non-proliferation in the 
region.
   Kazakhstan's commitment to nuclear security extends past non-
proliferation, as the country also promotes safe nuclear power to 
support the needs of the international community. The U.S. recently 
supported Kazakhstan's offer to host the world's first low-enriched 
uranium bank, which will help to guarantee that all nations have an 
energy source for peaceful civilian nuclear power. Affordable energy is 
a prerequisite for modernization in Central Asia, and future access

[[Page E34]]

to safe energy sources will help promote stability, development, and 
prosperity in the region.
   Kazakhstan has also been a strong U.S. partner in our efforts to 
combat terrorism and extremism in the region--particularly in 
Afghanistan. Under the leadership of President Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan 
has continued to provide indispensable aid to U.S. troops in 
Afghanistan. They have not only helped assist the Afghan National 
Security Forces to promote security and stability, but have also 
contributed to the Northern Distribution Network. I look forward to 
President Nazarbayev's visit to the United States and a healthy 
exchange of ideas about how our government can work with Kazakhstan in 
promoting human rights and the rule of law.
   At a time when the world is increasingly unstable due to the rise of 
non-state actors and conflicts across the Middle East, Kazakhstan has 
proven itself as a reliable U.S. partner in the region--one we can 
count on to advance our shared goals. As Kazakhstan serves on the 
United Nations Security Council, it is my belief that there is a bright 
future ahead for our collaboration in advancing peace and security.

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