[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1107]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING AMBASSADOR KAIRAT UMAROV FOR HIS SERVICE AND FRIENDSHIP TO THE 
                             UNITED STATES

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 2017

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt thanks 
to Ambassador Kairat Umarov for his service and friendship to our 
country, while serving as Kazakhstan's Ambassador to the United States.
  For the past 25 years, Kazakhstan and the United States have 
developed an enduring relationship built on nuclear nonproliferation 
and security. This association has evolved to include a strong 
relationship on trade, economic integration, and the support of 
democracy. Since its independence, Kazakhstan has been a strategic 
partner to the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 
(NATO). The diplomatic cooperation between our two countries has 
contributed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and strengthened 
security in the Central Asia region--accomplishments that were greatly 
served by Ambassador Umarov's dedicated work.
  Mr. Umarov has served as Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United 
States since 2013, and his steady leadership over the past four years 
has enhanced ties between our two countries. Ambassador Umarov's focus 
on commercial and technological cooperation has solidified Kazakhstan's 
path as a future trade hub for the entire New Silk Road region. His 
significant contributions to the upcoming EXPO 2017 event will prove to 
be essential to its success. Ambassador Umarov's time in Washington has 
shown him to be a gracious and gifted diplomat, and although I am sad 
to see him leave, I am confident that he will remain a true champion 
for the people of Kazakhstan as he assumes his new duties on behalf of 
his country at the United Nations.
  Mr. Speaker, I once again want to thank Ambassador Umarov for his 
hard work and friendship as Kazakhstan's Ambassador to the United 
States, and I wish him the best of luck on all his future endeavors.

                          ____________________