During his recent trip to the United States, Kairat Umarov, the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, had productive meetings with high-ranking officials from the White House, State Department, Pentagon, and members of the U.S. Congress. The discussions centered around strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States, following the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Astana. The meetings covered politics, security, and trade, and both sides confirmed their dedication to enhancing cooperation, according to an official press statement from the Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The U.S. officials were briefed on recent parliamentary elections and ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan, which they expressed support for. Meetings with Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland focused on intensifying people-to-people contacts, political dialogue, and regional security. Talks with Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Eliot Kang and Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance Mallory Stewart centered on nuclear energy and non-proliferation.
Meetings with members of the U.S. Congress focused on the importance of improving inter-parliamentary relationships and trade relations. The United States expressed interest in establishing permanent normal trade relations with Kazakhstan and repealing the Jackson-Vanik amendment.
The dialogues demonstrated a commitment to strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States, with potential benefits including economic growth, enhanced regional security, and stability and prosperity in the Central Asia region.
