Washington D.C, 21 May 2022 (TDI): The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Mukhtar Tileuberdi, in the US capital.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister visited the US to discuss and enhance US-Kazakhstan bilateral relations.
Secretary Blinken reiterated the US’ support for Kazakhstan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity during the meeting. Moreover, he appreciated the Kazakh President Tokayev’s political and economic reforms.
In addition, he expressed that Kazakhstan’s reforms are a positive step in promoting prosperity, strengthening security, and protecting human rights in the region.
Furthermore, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the US commitment to minimizing the impact of the sanctions against Russia on its partners.
Also, the US Secretary expressed gratitude to Foreign Minister Tileuberdi for Kazakhstan’s humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Finally, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Tileuberdi agreed to remain in close contact for political consultations.
US-Kazakhstan Relations
The United States and Kazakhstan established relations after the latter’s independence in December 1991. The early relations focused on USA’s efforts to relieve Kazakhstan of its nuclear stockpile and nuclear non-proliferation.
Both countries have established working cooperation in the fields of energy, economy, education, and regional security. See more
Kazakhstan is an emerging energy partner to Europe. Moreover, it is a strategically important country in Central Asia. The only Central Asian country to border Russia, there are concerns over maintaining territorial integrity
Kazakhstan’s Reaction to the War in Ukraine
Kazakhstan denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, it sent much-needed humanitarian aid to the war-torn country.
Although Kazakhstan and Russia maintain close security and political ties, controversies and mistrust have increased between the two countries over Russia’s expansionist ambitions. Kazakhstan has fiercely defended its statehood and independence.
Kazakhstan is a part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance. Both countries are also founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
