[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 193 (Thursday, November 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE 
                      UNITED STATES AND KAZAKHSTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 2020

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance 
of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Kazakhstan. 
This has been a key relationship for the United States ever since 
Kazakhstan established its independence almost 30 years ago. The 
Republic of Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, oversaw 
Kazakhstan's emergence as the economic leader of Central Asia, and the 
United States' key ally in the region, as evidenced in part by the fact 
that U.S. companies are the largest source of direct foreign investment 
in Kazakhstan. This is in large part due to the fact Kazakhstan has 
implemented reform and liberalization policies that have strengthened 
the bond between our two countries.
  Similarly, Kazakhstan has embarked on a path of political reforms to 
match its successful economic reforms and is taking an increasingly 
visible role in global affairs. As Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, 
I must highlight the fact that Kazakhstan chaired the Organization for 
Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2010 and led the U.N. Security 
Council in 20I7-2018. In 2018, President Nazarbayev visited Washington, 
D.C., in connection with the announcement of an Enhanced Strategic 
Partnership for the 21st Century between Kazakhstan and the United 
States. The countries agreed to heightened cooperation on political and 
security issues, including those related to Afghanistan and other 
defense initiatives, terrorism, extremism, the rule of law, and human 
rights.
  On November 30th, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be 
hosting a conference to review former President Nazarbayev's long 
career and highlight his efforts and accomplishments in establishing 
Kazakhstan as a global leader in a number of important areas. Perhaps 
most notably is the former president's unbending dedication to 
advancing the principles of nuclear nonproliferation, a stance that has 
made the entire world a safer place for this and future generations.
  I also applaud current President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's efforts to 
prioritize additional political reforms that will increase transparency 
and make the government more responsive to all of Kazakhstan's 
citizens.
  Madam Speaker, as former President Nazarbayev celebrates his 80th 
birthday and the people of Kazakhstan approach the celebration of their 
country's 30th anniversary, I wish all people of Kazakhstan nothing but 
peace, prosperity, and continued blessings.

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