Kazakhstan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their Enhanced Strategic Partnership, focusing on cooperation in politics, security, and trade. The discussions took place during a series of meetings held in Washington, D.C., on July 12-13, as per the press service of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
Kazakhstan's First Deputy Foreign Minister, Kairat Umarov, and Aigul Kuspan, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security of the Mazhilis of the Kazakh Parliament, engaged in talks with their U.S. counterparts to discuss the implementation of Kazakhstan's proposal to establish the International Agency for Biological Safety.
During the talks with Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul and Co-Chairs of the «Friends of Kazakhstan» Caucus at the Congress Jimmy Panetta and Robert Aderholt, the parties focused on enhancing trade relations between Kazakhstan and the United States.
A particular focus was placed on repealing the Jackson-Vanik amendment, a provision in U.S. law enacted in 1974 to influence trade relations with non-market economies, including the Soviet Union at the time. The amendment restricted emigration rights and continues to affect several countries today. Both parties acknowledged the significance of developing inter-parliamentary ties.
Furthermore, during a meeting with the leadership of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the importance of a partnership between the Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) and USAID was emphasized. Both sides expressed interest in advancing the Trans-Caspian route and promoting energy transition in Kazakhstan.
In addition to these official meetings, the Kazakh delegation engaged with representatives from prominent U.S. think tanks and non-governmental organizations, further enhancing the exchange of ideas and perspectives between the two countries.
The reaffirmation of their intention to strengthen the Enhanced Strategic Partnership demonstrates the mutual desire of Kazakhstan and the United States to deepen cooperation across various sectors.
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