[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING THE CITY OF ASTANA

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2018

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the city of 
Astana on its 20th anniversary. In this short time, the capital city of 
Kazakhstan has hosted high-level political and diplomatic events, 
including several international forums for a nuclear weapons-free 
world.
  Most recently, Astana hosted the successful EXPO 2017, which focused 
on the future of energy. Kazakhstan has shown promise not only as an 
important economic partner of the United States in the energy sector, 
but also as a strong proponent of clean energy. It joined the Paris 
Agreement and many other international efforts to curb climate change 
and improve our environment.
  In its 20-year history, Astana has become one of the most modern 
cities in Central Asia. It continues to serve as a hub for the region 
and link between the East and the West.
  I look forward to a long partnership between Washington and Astana. A 
partnership that will include productive cooperation on shared economic 
and security priorities, as well as efforts to advance the development 
of an independent, stable, and politically free Kazakhstan. With these 
advances, Astana would become a model for other nations and a central 
partner on so many shared objectives.

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