[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 27, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING KAZAKHSTAN ON THEIR PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE CHABOT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 27, 2019

  Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the historic 
March 19 announcement by former Kazakhstan President, Mr. Nursultan 
Nazarbayev, who voluntarily and peacefully resigned from his position 
as President and as the Head of State.
  Kazakhstan's Constitution was prepared for such a scenario and calls 
for the Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament to step in and take 
on the roles and responsibilities for the remainder of the President's 
term. This transition process, which will usher in the Chairman of the 
Senate, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as Head of State, is moving forward 
peacefully and with little to no disruption, as all parties involved 
remain committed to Kazakhstan's further development and prosperity, as 
well as serving as a stabilizing force in the region. Additionally, I 
call on President Tokayev to carry out the reforms necessary to hold 
free and fair elections in 2020, so that the people of Kazakhstan can 
continue to strengthen their democratic institutions.
  For almost 30 years, Kazakhstan and the United States have worked 
diligently to build a strategic partnership based on mutual trust and 
cooperation on important issues such as economic investment, security, 
and cultural exchanges. Both Kazakhstan and the United States have made 
clear that this strategic partnership and friendship will continue to 
grow and expand under a new Head of State.
  I applaud President Nazarbayev for his work to create a strong and 
lasting relationship with the United States. In 2018, the U.S. and 
Kazakhstan signed numerous economic agreements that have paved the way 
for more than 700 American companies to invest over $3.7 million in the 
last year alone. These investments support jobs and provide an economic 
boost for both of our economies. In partnership with American 
companies, Kazakhstan launched the Astana International Financial 
Center (AIFC) in 2018, which serves as a trading and financing platform 
for foreign and domestic investors, allowing Kazakhstan to grow as a 
major financial hub in the region.
  Kazakhstan and the United States have also been constructive partners 
in promoting security and stability around the world. Our two nations 
work together closely to support peace in Afghanistan and Central Asia 
through the Strategic Partnership Dialogue, joint-military efforts, and 
the C5+1 multilateral meetings. Additionally, President Nazarbayev was 
instrumental in Kazakhstan being the first Central Asian country to be 
elected to the United Nations National Security Council, providing a 
voice for the people of the region on a global stage.
  The United States welcomes this peaceful transition of power in 
Kazakhstan as it remains a reliable and trusted partner in Central Asia 
and I congratulate Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on his new role.

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