American And Kazahkstan's Stategic Bilateral Relationship

Floor Speech

AMERICAN AND KAZAKHSTAN'S STRATEGIC BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 08, 2007)

* Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, on February 28th, President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan delivered his annual state of the nation address entitled ``New Kazakhstan in a New World'' which outlined the strategy of Kazakhstan's development for the next decade. The goals set forth in President Nazarbayev's speech serves as a roadmap for the future and improve the quality of life for the people of Kazakhstan.

* In only a decade, Kazakhstan has achieved impressive economic growth and developed a strong framework of democratic government. President Nazarbayev rightfully stated in his speech that ``We are no longer a country of the Third World. This is the main result of our work for the past 10 years.

* Kazakhstan is now expected to double the country's gross domestic product by 2008 as compared to the year 2000. Accordingly, the GDP per capita has grown considerably, reaching $5,000 dollars in 2006 with the forecast of $6,500 dollars in 2007.

* Kazakhstan's stable economic development has allowed the government to devote more resources to social reforms. What is most impressive are the measures to improve social protection for motherhood and childhood, to increase pensions, and to raise government controlled wages. In other words, Kazakhstan is not just offering a better future for its people, but it is also securing its democracy on the rich soil of economic and social prosperity.

* Kazakhstan is blessed with abundant natural resources. However, Kazakhstan is not going to rely upon those resources alone, realizing that only a diversified economy will give this nation true independence and stability. President Nazarbayev envisions Kazakhstan as a ``regional locomotive'' of economic development and a successful player in the world economy by raising the effectiveness of extractive industries, ensuring the development of non-raw materials sectors, developing modem infrastructure, implementing swift administrative reform which takes into account international practices, and promoting the achievements and opportunities of a new Kazakhstan in Central Asia and the world. Central Asia needs and relies on Kazakhstan's leadership and strong presence that affirms democratic ideas and fosters economic values for the region.

* Modernizing the political system in the region is among the most important goals, and its achievement will ensure political stability for the future. I will continue to monitor Kazakhstan's improvements in the coming months, and I applaud their ability to move forward with progressive reforms that will be of a great benefit to the U.S.-Kazakhstan bilateral relationship and to the people of Kazakhstan.

* Kazakhstan's policy of promoting tolerance and inter-religious harmony among ethnic and religious groups also has been recognized internationally. Kazakhstan is making a considerable effort to deal with religious diversity in its country and in the region. In fact, all of the world's great religions are present and thriving in Kazakhstan thanks to a climate of tolerance and openness. For this reason, I welcome President Nazarbayev's willingness to ``serve as an international intermediary for finding mutually acceptable political solutions for conflict situations [and] expanding and deepening the dialogue of civilizations.''

* The glowing sense of confidence that is portrayed in President Nazarbayev's speech is a direct reflection of the optimism of the Kazakh people. I applaud President Nazarbayev's vision and leadership in bringing Kazakhstan into a new level of its progressive development. His vision for a prosperous and democratic Kazakhstan will be a beacon to other nations in the region.

* Madam Speaker, recently I had a very informative and productive meeting with H.E. Kanat Saudabayev, Kazakhstan Ambassador to the United States. I share his optimism for the future of Kazakhstan and the growing strategic partnership between our two nations. Kazakhstan has proven itself as our firm ally and partner, and our bilateral relationship based on common values is strong as ever. The U.S.-Kazakhstan partnership in promoting nonproliferation, combating terrorism, securing peace and stability for Afghanistan and Iraq is exemplary. We are grateful for Kazakhstan's support and friendship.

* I strongly believe we should assist Kazakhstan as it continues to pursue a program of economic and democratic reform for it is in our Nation's best interest to have an economically strong and democratically developed Kazakhstan in this region of vital importance.

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