Embassy of Kazakhstan

On May 4-5, 2009 Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, Honorable Marat Tazhin, visited Washington, DC to meet with the officials of the new US Administration.

On May 4 Minister Tazhin met with US President’s National Security Advisor, General James Jones, as well as with US Energy Secretary Honorable Steven Chu.

General Jones said that the United States regards Kazakhstan as a valuable partner in its cooperation with Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing out the country’s important role in international efforts on Afghanistan reconstruction.

Kazakhstan is the only Central Asian country which has adopted a special Assistance Program on the Reconstruction of Afghanistan. In 2007-2008 under this Program Kazakhstan allocated more than $3 million for social and infrastructure projects, humanitarian assistance and training programs for law enforcement and border guards in Afghanistan. In 2009-2011 Kazakhstan allocates additional $5 million for projects related to water supply, infrastructure development and delivery of grain and other commodities. Education is targeted as the prime area of focus for Kazakhstan’s efforts in Afghanistan in future.

At the meeting with Secretary Chu Minister Tazhin discussed energy cooperation and non-proliferation. Secretary Chu praised Kazakhstan for the country’s decision to renounce its nuclear arsenal soon after independence calling Kazakhstan’s disarmament policy an “example to follow”.

Later that day Minister Tazhin delivered a talk at the Council on Foreign Relations. Addressing the audience in the presence of a number of distinguished guests he outlined Kazakhstan’s foreign policy priorities as well as the main pillars of Kazakh-US strategic cooperation.

On May 5 Minister Tazhin met with the Secretary of State, Honorable Hillary Clinton. In her pre-meeting remarks Secretary Clinton reflected on the strategic relationship between the two countries: “We have a lot of good work going on between the United States and Kazakhstan. I will explore with the minister some additional ways that we can cooperate. And we’re very appreciative of the support that has been given to the United States in a number of areas. I had a memorable visit to Kazakhstan some years ago, and I am very much looking forward to our discussions”.

In his turn, Minister Tazhin praised the friendly tone of bilateral cooperation: “Fortunately, we do not have any serious problems in relations between the United States and Kazakhstan. And I hope, thanks to your activities, thanks to our joint activity, the relations between Kazakhstan and United States will be even more constructive, more stable, and more fruitful”.

Minister Tazhin’s visit was also commended on the Hill as on May 4, 2009 Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, Chairman of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (jurisdiction over the bilateral relationship), issued a statement recognizing Kazakh Foreign Minister’s visit to the United States (please find the text below).

All in all, the visit was a good opportunity to discuss a number of issues on the agenda of Kazakhstan-US strategic partnership which is becoming truly global in its scale and importance.