[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 212 (Wednesday, December 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             KAZAKHSTAN'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 8, 2021

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, on December 16, 2021, the Republic of 
Kazakhstan will celebrate its 30th year of independence from the former 
Soviet Union. I congratulate President Kassim-Jomart Tokayev and 
Kazakhstan's people for the notable progress they have made as a nation 
in that short period of time.
  Strategically located between Europe, China, Russia, and the Middle 
East, Kazakhstan has been a global crossroads for centuries. Clearly, 
its place in the world today is more significant than ever. 
Kazakhstan's vibrant economy--the largest by far in Central Asia--
enhances the country's strategic importance.
  One of Kazakhstan's greatest and most enduring achievements since 
independence has been its renunciation of nuclear weapons. Upon 
dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan possessed the 4th largest 
nuclear arsenal in the world, and since then has maintained a 
consistent policy advocating nuclear non-proliferation. In 2006, 
Kazakhstan joined with the four other central Asian countries to sign 
The Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, committing to ban 
production, acquisition, or deployment of nuclear weapons across their 
territory. The Republic continues to lead in non-proliferation efforts.
  Kazakhstan has been a good friend to the United States over these 
thirty years, standing with us after 9/11, supporting our military 
efforts both in Iraq and in Afghanistan, and working actively with the 
U.S. and other countries to counter global terrorism. Since 2013, 
Kazakhstan has been an active participant in the CS+1 format, which is 
the platform for dialogue and cooperation between the U.S. and the five 
Central Asian nations. Further, in 2018, the United States and 
Kazakhstan entered into an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
  In just 30 years, Kazakhstan has achieved great things and has taken 
its place in the international community of nations. I appreciate the 
engagement of Kazakhstan with the U.S. on defense, security, 
counterterrorism, and on many other areas of mutual interest. I offer 
my best wishes to President Tokayev, to Ambassador Ashikbayev, and to 
the people of Kazakhstan on their Independence Day.

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