[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 12 (Friday, January 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       U.S.-KAZAKHSTAN RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 19, 2018

  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the President of 
Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to the United States, and to 
recognize the strong and growing relationship between our two 
countries.
  Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan became 
an independent nation, and the United States was the first country to 
recognize it. Since then, over the last 26 years, Kazakhstan and the 
United States have built a strategic partnership based on mutual trust, 
commitment, and genuine friendship in order to advance our bilateral 
political, military and economic goals.
  Over the years, a major pillar of our strategic partnership has been 
built on a shared interest in nuclear non-proliferation and security. 
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan inherited the 
fourth largest nuclear stockpile in the world-roughly 1,410 nuclear 
warheads. Through President Nazarbayev's leadership, and in conjunction 
with the United States, Kazakhstan renounced its arsenal, became a non-
nuclear state, and continues to be a leader in nuclear security.
  Further, the economic ties between our two countries continue to 
expand, particularly in areas such as energy and investment. This is 
evident through our work to implement WTO obligations and improve the 
investment climate. In 2016, bilateral trade with Kazakhstan grew to 
$1.9 billion (a 117 percent increase from 2015), supporting more than 
7,000 U.S. jobs. Just last year, the USA Pavilion at Kazakhstan's 
International Expo showcased the successful collaboration between our 
two countries and paved the way for future joint projects and 
partnerships.
  Lastly, as the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, I 
am proud of the close partnership our two nations have forged on 
efforts to promote peace and stability around the world. I am 
particularly appreciative of the role Kazakhstan has played in support 
of United States counter-terrorism efforts following the unforgettable 
attack on our homeland on September 11, 2001. President Nazarbayev's 
dedication to working with the United States to defeat terrorism and 
extremism around the world is sincerely appreciated, and critical to 
our success.
  As a testament to our long history of friendship and advancement of 
mutual priorities, I look forward to increasing the collaboration 
between our two countries in the years to come. Kazakhstan remains one 
of our most reliable and trusted partners throughout the world, and I 
am eager to watch our relationship grow in the future.

                          ____________________