Kazakhstan and Arizona National Guard commemorate the 30th anniversary of partnership
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of partnership between Kazakhstan and the Arizona National Guard in the framework of the "State Partnership Program" (SPP) in the period from November 30 to December 3, 2023, a regional visit of the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States of America Yerzhan Ashikbayev and artists of the State Concert Organization “Qazaqconcert” named after Roza Baglanova took place in Phoenix (Arizona). The program of the visit contained a number of official and cultural events, Kazinform News Agency reports.
As part of the visit, a ceremony to honor the servicemen of the Arizona National Guard took place. The event included a parade and review of the Guardsmen, a public exposition, and a concert by the ethno-folk ensemble "Turan". Addressing more than 3,000 attendees, Ambassador Ashikbayev expressed gratitude for 30 years of successful partnership, which contributed to strengthening of cooperation not only between Kazakhstan and the Arizona National Guard, but also to the convergence of the cultures of the two countries. General Kerry Muhlenbeck, Commander of the Arizona National Guard, welcomed the strengthening of cooperation with Kazakhstan, emphasizing that our country became one of the first thirteen international partners under the SPP program.
Along with this, Ambassador Ashikbayev met with the Governor of Arizona Kathleen Hobbs, Speaker of the State House of Representatives Ben Toma, as well as representatives of American business, with whom he discussed the prospects of deepening cooperation on a wide range of issues.
During the visit, Ambassador Ashikbayev announced the opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the state of Arizona, which in turn will contribute to the further expansion of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties with the state.
Following the meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Governor of Arizona, proclamations were issued on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the partnership. These documents welcome the successful cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the U.S. on a wide range of issues, including professional training of specialists in the educational sphere, strengthening trade and economic ties.
A significant event was the raising of the National Flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the square in front of the complex of government buildings of the state.
To strengthen economic cooperation with the state, Ambassador Ashikbayev met with representatives of the Arizona Mining Association, where the prospects of cooperation in the mining and metallurgical complex were discussed.
Within the framework of the cooperation agreement between North Kazakhstan University, named after M.Kozybayev and Arizona University, the delegates discussed further prospects of partnership in the field of education, including the training of Kazakh students in the double diploma program, which was launched jointly with the American university in 2022.
Moreover, one of the main goals of the visit was to promote cultural diplomacy. In particular, a visit to the Musical Instruments Museum in Phoenix took place, where the ethno-folk ensemble “Turan” presented the Kazakh musical instruments as a gift to the museum and performed a concert. The museum is known for its gallery featuring rare musical instruments from around the world, including Kazakhstan. Museum representatives expressed gratitude for the generous gesture, noting that this event becomes not only part of the museum's history but also evidence of how art and music can bring cultures and peoples closer.
The Kazakh artists also held a concert, attended by representatives of local authorities, businesses, academic circles, Kazakh students, and the diaspora living in the state of Arizona.
For reference: The Arizona National Guard entered into a partnership with the Republic of Kazakhstan under the “State Partnership Program” in 1993. The program is aimed at establishing relationships, studying best practices, and promoting the development of military and civilian ties.
