Kazakhstan’s Reform Agenda
As prepared for delivery by Ambassador Michael Carpenter
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
December 8, 2022
Deputy Foreign Minister Vassilenko, welcome to the Permanent Council.
Following the November presidential elections in Kazakhstan, we look forward to continuing to work with President Tokayev and his government to advance our common objectives. The United States also reiterates its unwavering support for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, which has been the bedrock of our partnership for over 30 years.
The United States welcomed Kazakhstan’s invitation to ODIHR and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to observe its November presidential elections. I welcome the statement now of seWe support the OSCE’s observer mission’s report, including its preliminary findings and conclusions, and urge implementation of the OSCE’s previous recommendations in advance of the 2023 parliamentary elections.
The United States also welcomes the stated aims of the wide-ranging reforms proposed by President Tokayev this year, including growing the private sector, demonopolizing the economy, and combating corruption, while creating more space for political opposition and strengthening checks and balances, the rule of law, and human rights protections. The development of strong democratic institutions and of a vibrant civil society will be critical to Kazakhstan further realizing its goals. We stand ready to support these ambitious aims and call on the government to fully implement these reforms for the benefit of the people in Kazakhstan. Again, I want to thank you personally for your commitment to dialogue and transparency for your knowledge… and for your gracious hospitality in Astana.
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