[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 14717-14718]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATORY NOTE ON KAZAKH AMBASSADOR'S BIRTHDAY

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, today, July 18th, 2006, 
Ambassador Kanat Saudabayev from Kazakhstan is congratulated on his 
60th birthday and recognized for all of his work around the world as a 
diplomat, government official, and culture and arts leader.
  In his work with Washington since December 2000, Ambassador 
Saudabayev has helped to build a strong relationship with the United 
States on many levels. In 2001, Kazakhstan's positive support after 
terrorist attacks on September 11 helped extend the U.S. partnership on 
important issues such as energy policy, arms proliferation, the 
environment, and terrorism. In the past year, he and his country have 
helped to build positive economic and educational affiliations with 
Louisiana and also have graciously donated $50,000 to two local schools 
for rebuilding after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
  Serving in many important leadership positions before now, Ambassador 
Saudabayev was born in the Almaty region in 1946 and is now married to

[[Page 14718]]

Kullikhan and is privileged to have two sons, a daughter, and three 
grandchildren. He has served as the head of the Prime Minister's Office 
in 1999 and 2000. In the 1990s he was appointed to serve as Ambassador 
to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He worked 
as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1994 for his state and signed for 
Kazakhstan in NATO's Partnership for Peace Agreement. In 1991, he 
served as Ambassador to Turkey, the last under Soviet order, and worked 
to create a new strong future for Kazakhstan in its international 
relationships.
  Before his diplomatic ventures, Ambassador Saudabayev had a passion 
for and held many positions in Kazakhstan's focus on culture. Starting 
as a theatrical producer, Ambassador Saudabayev acted as chairman of 
the State Committee of Culture, chairman of the State Film Committee, 
and Deputy Culture Minister.
  Besides his devoted nature in working with the United States and his 
homeland, the Ambassador's most impressive past will lead the United 
States to not only recognize him for his past contribution to the world 
but most likely also for his efforts to come.
  We wish him Happy Birthday on this celebratory year and occasion 
along with many years of health and good fortune in his future.

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