22 August 2005, Washington. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassymzhomart Tokaev held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

22 August during his visit to Washington Minister of Foreign Affairs Kassymzhomart Tokaev conducted negotiations with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The diplomats discussed perspectives of further development of Kazakhstan-American relations, urgent problems of regional cooperation as well as interaction on a number of issues of global agenda.

U.S. Secretary of State expressed her satisfaction with the achieved level of cooperation and constructive dialogue between the leaders of the two countries. She stated the strong support from the United States for the programme of full-scale social-political reforms announced by President N.Nazarbaev which represents optimal model of development for other Central Asian states.

The statement of the head of the U.S. Department of State that Kazakhstan possesses all constituents to “play key role in Central Asia while helping neighboring countries to be economically more open, politically more stable”, has become another evidence of U.S. perception of Kazakhstan as a worthy strategic partner.

C.Rice confirmed that Washington is ready to strengthen strategic partnership with Kazakhstan as a recognized leader of the Central Asian region.

In the opinion of the Secretary of State, Kazakhstan’s growing role and status as a regional leader would promote further realization of political reforms on the basis of successes achieved in the economic area.

From his part, K.Tokaev said that the leadership binds much and confirmed Kazakhstan’s principal interest in expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with the USA and commitment to democratic policy of reforms. Kazakhstan appreciates partnership with the USA and plans to take further measures on strengthening cooperation, said the Kazakh diplomat.

When discussing cooperation in counteracting threats to peace and stability the Head of Kazakh Foreign Office stressed that Kazakhstan is ready to further develop partner relationship, consistently render assistance to the USA in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The same day K.Tokaev made a speech before representatives of American political establishment, business and scientific circles, mass-media and non-governmental organizations at the dinner in the honor of the Kazakh Foreign Minister on behalf of the American-Kazakh business association.

Date of issue: 2005-08-25