Convention Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Kazakh-American Relations Kicks off in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C., 9 December - In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and the United States, the Embassy held a Convention offering three sessions on politics, economics and security.

The event was attended by representatives of the US Presidential Administration, business and expert circles, as well as leading American companies.

In his welcoming video message, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi emphasized that the vision of First President Nursultan Nazarbayev, along with the hard work and determination of the people, made it possible to build a modern Kazakhstan, which is a reliable strategic partner of Washington in ensuring global and regional security.

Speaking to the forum participants, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for International Cooperation Erzhan Kazykhan emphasized the Head of State's firm commitment to further develop trade, economic and investment cooperation, strengthen the regional cooperation in Central Asia, as well as interact in human rights and humanitarian dimensions. “We remain reliable partners of the United States, and we have a lot in common with the current US Presidential Administration's policy,” the Special Representative said.

During the economic session there was a lively discussion on the diversification of the Kazakh economy, the expansion of non-resource exports and the development of green technologies within the global fight against climate change.

During the discussions, the experts agreed that the strategic vision of the country's leadership, political stability, and sustainable economic growth make Kazakhstan an attractive destination for foreign investments in the field of traditional and renewable energy resources, transport, and agriculture.

The speakers of the security cooperation session discussed the importance of the Kazakh-American enhanced strategic partnership in addressing regional and global challenges, including stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan, disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and other types of weapons of mass destruction. The participants welcomed the unique peacekeeping potential of Kazakhstan in the repatriation and reintegration of its citizens from the conflict zones, as well as countering the threats of terrorism and extremism.

On the sidelines of the event, a presentation of the book "Strong and Unique: Three Decades of US-Kazakhstan Partnership", authored by Prof. Frederick Starr and Svante Cornell (Institute of Central Asia and the Caucasus) took place. The book is the first comprehensive study covering the history of of bilateral relations since Kazakhstan’s independence.