[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20259]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               WELCOME TO PRESIDENT NURSULTAN NAZARBAYEV

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to welcome to the 
United States, our true friend and strong ally, the President of 
Kazakhstan, His Excellency Nursultan Nazarbayev.
  Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has overcome numerous 
obstacles and challenges to emerge as one of the world's most dynamic 
and promising nations. Much of the credit for that should go to 
President Nazarbayev who led his country through difficult and painful 
reforms which brought about strong economic and democratic change.
  Economically, Kazakhstan is accelerating beyond neighboring countries 
and most other countries in the world. It is evident that citizens of 
Kazakhstan are being offered a better tomorrow because the leadership 
remains committed in investing in its people and country.
  Democratically, the ongoing economic liberalization inspired by 
President Nazarbayev would not be possible without the establishment of 
democratic institutions coupled with a civil society unique to the 
social-political nature of Kazakhstan and its people. The creation of 
over 5,000 NGO's, the founding of an independent judiciary, and the 
institutionalizing of a pluralistic, multi-party system are just a few 
examples of the impressive ``resume of freedom'' that this nation has 
built over the last decade. Kazakhstan is setting a noble example of 
what can be accomplished through democracy.
  Democratization and domestic initiatives are intricately linked to 
foreign policy. Kazakhstan's dedication to the war on terror is 
admirable and deeply appreciated by the United States. It is important 
that the United States and Kazakhstan continue to work together to 
defeat those who want to destroy our most treasured values.
  Today, Kazakhstan is a strong promoter of global peace and stability 
and I commend President Nazarbayev for taking concrete steps to bring 
together people of different religions by initiating the Congress of 
World and Traditional Religions which has become a respected forum 
where believers of all faiths can work in partnership to find better 
ways for a better future.
  Additionally, Kazakhstan continues to serve as a model to the global 
community in its leadership on nonproliferation by voluntarily 
disarming what was once the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal.
  Mr. Speaker, Kazakhstan has a rich cultural heritage and a bright 
future. The people of Kazakhstan should be proud of their achievements 
and their leader. It is my hope that the United States and Kazakhstan 
will continue to build bridges, share ideas, and work closely together 
for years to come. I am confident that President Nazarbayev's visit to 
Washington is a strong testament of our growing strategic partnership, 
and I join many of my colleagues in wishing him a joyful and productive 
stay in our Nation's Capital.

                          ____________________