/Kazakhstan today, April 29, 04/ - A conference "Industrial and Innovation Strategy: New Business Opportunities", organised by the embassy of RK to the USA and US-Kazakhstan Business Association took place in Washington DC. More than 250 representatives of government and public political circles, heads of US biggest companies participated in it, KZ-today correspondent has been advised in the press service of the embassy of RK to the USA.

Kanat Saudabayev, ambassador of RK in the USA, stressed that "an unprecedented high level of the US delegation at the conference has demonstrated a growing US respect towards Kazakhstan as a strategic ally and an important economic partner."

D. Evans, US secretary of commerce, speaking at the conference said that "president Bush passed his gratitude to the people and government of Kazakhstan for their unwavering support of the USA in its war against terrorism." During the last few years Kazakhstan attained striking progress in the development of economy, and today carried out important job on its further diversification," - the minister believes. "These and other positive moments in the positive development of Kazakhstan are a consequence of the right course taken by your country government that successfully fulfils its tasks on economic reforms. Moreover, today the whole region views Kazakhstan as an example of economic development. The direct investment of more than $6 billion by US companies into Kazakhstan is an impressive figure and we expect that it will be growing." - D. Evans stressed.

R. Armitage, first deputy secretary of state, considers that "the progress of Kazakhstan during independence years was possible due to the presidency of Nursultan Nazarbayev, who has made important choices in security, economy, and political development. The decision of president Nazarbayev to renounce from nuclear weapons has made the world safer and remains resonant today, when such countries as North Korea continue to develop weapons of mass destruction, and when Lybia has decided to follow the example of Kazakhstan," - he explained.

"Kazakhstan is not only a leader in the world non-proliferation process, but also plays an important role in providing regional and world stability, supporting international efforts on fighting terrorism. Kazakhstan actively participates in the coalition actions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Moreover, the Kazakhstani peacemakers in Iraq have made a huge job on neutralisation of more than a half million landmines and other explosives," - R. Armitage stressed.

Senator C. Burns, chairman of the US senate subcommittee on telecommunications, committee on commerce, science, and transport, in his turn said that "we highly appreciate the activities of president Nazarbayev on strengthening the alliance between the USA and Kazakhstan." "Kazakhstan is a US unwavering partner and ally in fighting terrorism, rendering important aid in Afghanistan and Iraq," - he concluded.

[2004-04-29]