The full text of his letter is given below:

«THE DIRECTOR OF THE PEACE CORPS

Washington, D.C.

December 16, 2011

His Excellency Yerzhan Kazykhanov

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Astana

Dear Mr. Minister:

Over the last two decades, Peace Corps Volunteers have worked in close and constructive partnership with the Kazakhstani people, sharing ideas and a commitment to peace and friendship. On behalf of the Peace Corps Volunteers and staff who had the privilege of serving in Kazakhstan, I would like to extend my gratitude for your partnership and support. This partnership has been extraordinary successful for the Peace Corps as an institution and for the more than 1100 volunteers who have lived and worked in communities throughout Kazakhstan.
As Kazakhstan continues to work towards a better future we acknowledge its successes admire its perseverance and are honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to its development.

We are also grateful for the warm welcome that the Kazakhstani people have always extended to our volunteers. Peace Corps Volunteers traveled far from their American families but volunteers in Kazakhstan always found a second home with their Kazakhstani host families, colleagues and friends.

Long after the last volunteers departs, the most essential component of our partnership will remain in the fellowships our volunteers formed during their service. These returned volunteers have become citizen ambassadors of Kazakhstan and the friendship they formed will serve as a legacy of our work together.

We greatly appreciate your invaluable support of the Peace Corps, our Volunteers, and their work in Kazakhstan.

Respectfully,

(signature)

Aaron S. Williams

Director»

Date of issue: 2011-12-27