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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING KAZAKHSTAN ON THEIR PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION
______
HON. STEVE CHABOT
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the historic
March 19 announcement by former Kazakhstan President, Mr. Nursultan
Nazarbayev, who voluntarily and peacefully resigned from his position
as President and as the Head of State.
Kazakhstan's Constitution was prepared for such a scenario and calls
for the Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament to step in and take
on the roles and responsibilities for the remainder of the President's
term. This transition process, which will usher in the Chairman of the
Senate, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as Head of State, is moving forward
peacefully and with little to no disruption, as all parties involved
remain committed to Kazakhstan's further development and prosperity, as
well as serving as a stabilizing force in the region. Additionally, I
call on President Tokayev to carry out the reforms necessary to hold
free and fair elections in 2020, so that the people of Kazakhstan can
continue to strengthen their democratic institutions.
For almost 30 years, Kazakhstan and the United States have worked
diligently to build a strategic partnership based on mutual trust and
cooperation on important issues such as economic investment, security,
and cultural exchanges. Both Kazakhstan and the United States have made
clear that this strategic partnership and friendship will continue to
grow and expand under a new Head of State.
I applaud President Nazarbayev for his work to create a strong and
lasting relationship with the United States. In 2018, the U.S. and
Kazakhstan signed numerous economic agreements that have paved the way
for more than 700 American companies to invest over $3.7 million in the
last year alone. These investments support jobs and provide an economic
boost for both of our economies. In partnership with American
companies, Kazakhstan launched the Astana International Financial
Center (AIFC) in 2018, which serves as a trading and financing platform
for foreign and domestic investors, allowing Kazakhstan to grow as a
major financial hub in the region.
Kazakhstan and the United States have also been constructive partners
in promoting security and stability around the world. Our two nations
work together closely to support peace in Afghanistan and Central Asia
through the Strategic Partnership Dialogue, joint-military efforts, and
the C5+1 multilateral meetings. Additionally, President Nazarbayev was
instrumental in Kazakhstan being the first Central Asian country to be
elected to the United Nations National Security Council, providing a
voice for the people of the region on a global stage.
The United States welcomes this peaceful transition of power in
Kazakhstan as it remains a reliable and trusted partner in Central Asia
and I congratulate Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on his new role.
____________________
