[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 177 (Friday, October 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE REPUBLIC DAY OF KAZAKHSTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 2025

  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to note the strong relationship 
between the United States and Kazakhstan and to recognize Kazakhstan's 
Republic Day.
  Republic Day commemorates Kazakhstan's declaration of sovereignty on 
October 25, 1990. This pivotal moment, 25 years ago, paved the way for 
Kazakhstan's eventual independence from the Soviet Union and symbolizes 
the nation's enduring commitment to self-determination, prosperity, and 
peace.
  Over the past three decades, Kazakhstan has transformed into a 
thriving nation with a strong economy, a growing international 
presence, and a robust partnership with the United States.
  The relationship between Kazakhstan and the United States is rooted 
in shared values of democracy, economic growth, and mutual respect. As 
we celebrate Kazakhstan's achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to 
working together in addressing global challenges and promoting peace, 
security, and economic development.
  Our nations also share a strong commitment to interfaith harmony and 
global dialogue. Kazakhstan, ethnically rich and religiously diverse, 
has long championed peace and tolerance. Earlier this year, Astana 
hosted the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, 
welcoming over 100 delegations from 60 countries under the theme 
``Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.''
  Recently, Kazakhstan took a decisive step in its economic 
modernization. The national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, 
signed a landmark $4.2 billion agreement with Wabtec Corporation, the 
largest locomotive order in recent history. This transformative deal 
will support thousands of good-paying U.S. jobs and strengthen 
America's manufacturing base, underscoring the mutual benefits of our 
growing economic partnership.
  Another vital area of expanding cooperation is rare earth minerals. 
The United States and Kazakhstan are working together to build a 
reliable and diversified supply chain for rare earth elements and other 
critical materials essential to major U.S. industries, including 
aerospace, defense, clean energy, and semiconductors.
  Kazakhstan remains one of the United States' most reliable and 
trusted partners, both regionally and globally, particularly as an 
active member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This long-standing 
partnership highlights the importance of advancing efforts to establish 
Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR), ensuring that Kazakhstan's 
economic growth is fully acknowledged and supported within the global 
marketplace. Doing so would cost nothing, yet send a powerful signal of 
strategic seriousness, eliminate lingering legal ambiguity for U.S. 
investors, and unlock the full potential of our bilateral trade and 
industrial cooperation.
  As we look ahead, the upcoming C5+1 Summit on November 6, 2025, 
represents a critical opportunity to reaffirm U.S. leadership and 
engagement in Central Asia. Marking the 10th anniversary of this 
important diplomatic forum, the summit should deliver tangible results, 
demonstrating that the United States values long-term partnership.
  Together, the United States and Kazakhstan are committed to fostering 
peace, security, and prosperity, not only in Central Asia but globally.

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