Congress launches Central Asia Caucus. Inauguration underscores strategic importance of Kazakhstan, Central Asia to U.S.

WASHINGTON.  November 20. KAZINFORM Yesterday, Congress launched the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Central Asia, chaired by Del. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa), Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, and Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Armed Services.  The Caucus was inaugurated with a Capitol Hill reception and program, with speakers focusing on key issues and opportunities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. 

Since gaining their independence from the Soviet Union, the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have looked to western democracies, particularly the United States, for cooperation and assistance on mutual issues. Central Asia is increasingly playing a significant role in energy production and supply, regional stability and security, democracy and human rights promotion, nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, economic growth, and trade and investment.  Creation of the Congressional Caucus on Central Asia underscores the importance of this region and will focus on strategic relationships, economic opportunities, and facilitate critical communication between nations.

The kick-off event was attended by dozens of members of Congress who are part of the Caucus, key State Department officials, non-governmental organization executives, foreign ambassadors, journalists, and ambassadors from the five Central Asian nations.  The keynote address was delivered by Robert O. Blake, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State, with special remarks by Richard E. Hoagland, United States Ambassador to Kazakhstan, and Dr. Kairat Umarov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.  Highlighted in the remarks was the importance of strengthening relations between the United States and Central Asia and enhancing cooperation across a wide spectrum of shared interests.   

"Today marks a proud moment and historic opportunity for Kazakhstan, the United States, and Central Asia.  In the months and years ahead, we can and will take many important steps together in deepening our relationship and ties," said H.E. Erlan Idrissov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States. 

Kazakh envoy praised the leadership, vision, and determination of Del. Faleomavaega and Rep. McKeon in formulating and forming the Central Asia panel.  "As a committed Caucus partner," concluded Amb. Idrissov, "Kazakhstan looks forward to working to address the many challenges we face and also helping to bring about the positive changes and progress that all of us have envisioned from the outset",  a press release of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the USA reads.