Skip Global Navigation to Main Content
Skip Breadcrumb Navigation
Skip Left Navigation
Embassy News

Embassy News 2012

  • An International Conference to Review Results and Prospects of Kazakhstan-U.S. Cooperation over 20 Years
    An International Conference to Review Results and Prospects of Kazakhstan-U.S. Cooperation over 20 Years

    A major international conference “Kazakhstan - USA: 20 Years of Partnership for Security and Development” will take place at the Nazarbayev Center in Astana, the multifunctional research and educational public institution, on Friday May 18, 2012 .. 

  • "Walk a Mile against the Wile"
    "Walk a Mile against the Wile"

    On Sunday, May 13, FLEX Alumni Astana City Representatives organized a walk/run against modern-day slavery titled, "Walk a Mile Against the Wile". The project, with over 120 participants was aimed to raise awareness of human trafficking and address students and other young potential victims. In addition, participants collected clothes, books, and supplies ..  

  • Ambassador Fairfax's Op-Ed on World Intellectual Property Rights Day
    Ambassador Fairfax's Op-Ed on World Intellectual Property Rights Day

    In today's world, technological innovation is increasingly vital not only to economic growth but also to educational, social and cultural exchange and advancement. It is therefore vital to us all that we protect technological innovations and the people who create them .. 

  • Ambassador Fairfax with the rector M. Kogamov and the students
    Ambassador Fairfax speaks at Kazakh University of the Humanities and Law

    On May 8, 2012 the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kenneth Fairfax, met with undergraduate students majoring in international law of Kazakh University of the Humanities and Law in Astana. Ambassador Fairfax discussed America’s electoral system, including presidential elections, the party system, and the electoral college .. 

  • USAFE band Five Star Brass performs at School # 17
    USAFE band performs in Astana

    U.S. Air Force in Europe (USAFE) band performed in Astana on May 7, 2012 at three schools. The band traveled to Kazakhstan as part of the KADEX military exhibition, organized and supported by the government of Kazakhstan. The military band performed at the Zhas Ulan cadet school for boys, public school # 17, where they visited the only war museum .. 

  • American Center for Contemporary Arts opened in Almaty
    American Center for Contemporary Arts opened in Almaty

    On May 5, U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax officially inaugurated the American Center for Contemporary Arts with a concert of American music featuring works by Barber, Gershwin, and other American composers. The Center -- the first of its kind in Central Asia -- was established with a $35,000 grant from the U.S. Government..  

  • Ambassador with Rector Akhylbek K. Kurishbaev
    Ambassador Fairfax speaks at S. Seyfullin Kazakh Agro-Technical University

    On May 3, 2012 the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kenneth Fairfax, met with undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students and professors of S. Seyfullin Kazakh Agro-Technical University in Astana. Ambassador Fairfax discussed America’s electoral system, focusing on presidential elections, the party system, and the electoral college .. 

  • Ambassador shares his experience being a student at Oberlin
    Ambassador speaks at the webchat with Oberlin College

    On 25 April 2012 the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan and the Office of International Admissions of Oberlin College ran a successful live webchat session for prospective Kazakhstani students. U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Kenneth Fairfax and his wife participated in this webchat as alumni of Oberlin College along with 200 other students and educators .. 

  • Call for Proposals for Advancing Economic Opportunities for Women
    Call for Proposals for Advancing Economic Opportunities for Women

    The U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan is pleased to announce a region-wide competition for project proposals that advance economic opportunities for women in South and Central Asia. The grant program will support projects focusing on advancing economic opportunities for women in Central and South Asia .. 

  • The Sean Curran Dance Troupe uses elements of comedy, drama, and storytelling
    The Sean Curran Company delights thousands throughout Kazakhstan

    The Sean Curran Company is in Kazakhstan from April 13-25, 2012 with the support of the Department of State, Dance Motion USA and Brooklyn Academy of Music as part of their month-long tour of Central Asia. Sean Curran and his company visited Pavlodar, Astana and Almaty where, in addition to performing for sold out halls, they offered master classes, workshops .. 

  • President Obama's Earth Day 2012 Proclamation
    President Obama's Earth Day 2012 Proclamation

    On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans came together to celebrate the first Earth Day. Students, teachers, activists, elected officials, and countless others challenged our Nation to confront our most urgent environmental issues and rallied around a single message: the success of future generations depends upon how we act today. As we commemorate Earth Day this year .. 

  • Without Free Media, Everyone Suffers
    Without Free Media, Everyone Suffers

    “Media freedom is the moral equivalent of oxygen; it is how society breathes and it is a key pillar of building civil societies,” says Tara Sonenshine, the new U.S. under secretary of state for public diplomacy ..  

  • Kazahstan's Place on Central Asia's New Silk Road
    Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt speaks at KIMEP

    On April 20, Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary South and Central Asian Affairs Bureau, spoke to KIMEP students on “New Silk Road: Kazakhstan’s Leading Role in the Region”. Geoffrey R. Pyatt discussed economic and political cooperation between the U.S. and Kazakhstan. “Our relations with Kazakhstan are perhaps our deepest and broadest in Central Asia..  Remarks »

  • U.S. Embassy Cleans the City to Celebrate Earth Day
    U.S. Embassy Cleans the City to Celebrate Earth Day

    On April 20 at 11.00 AM, volunteers from the U.S. Embassy in Astana will mark Earth Day by cleaning up an assigned area near the Sports Center. The Akimat of Astana city kindly provided this location. The employees of the U.S. Embassy are pleased to have the opportunity to express their gratitude to the city of Astana .. 

  • Ambassador Fairfax with Deputy Akim Aryn Orsariev, Library director Maya Zhienbaeva and AC patrons
    Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax Opens Eleventh American Corner in Pavlodar

    On April 17, Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax, together with the Deputy Akim of the Pavlodar Oblast, Aryn Orsariev, officially opened the eleventh American Corner in the city of Pavlodar at the S. Torajgyrov Pavlodar Oblast Universal Scientific Library. “None of these books and computers donated to the American Corner will be useful unless you come and use them,” said Ambassador Fairfax .. 

  • State Dept. on History of Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty
    State Dept. on History of Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty

    Key Point: The effort to end nuclear explosive testing has spanned five decades with efforts culminating in the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which was opened for signature in 1996 .. 

  • U.S. Mission Brings Modern Dance Company to Perform and Conduct Master Classes in Pavlodar and Astana
    U.S. Mission Brings Modern Dance Company to Perform and Conduct Master Classes in Pavlodar and Astana

    The New York-based modern dance group Seán Curran Company will perform a concert on April 17 in Pavlodar at the Yestay Palace of Culture at 7 P.M. Sponsored by the U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan, the eight dancers of the troupe will also conduct master classes at the Yestay Palace of Culture. Entrance to the performance is free .. 

  • U.S. Ambassador Opens American Corner in Pavlodar
    U.S. Ambassador Opens American Corner in Pavlodar

    On April 17 at 10:30 the U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax will officially open an American Corner at the S. Toraygyrov Pavlodar Oblast Universal Scientific Library. The American Corner, a project undertaken jointly by the U.S. Embassy and the library, will provide current and reliable information about the United States and will serve as a venue for a variety of events and activities ..  

  • U.S. CENTCOM Commander Visits Kazakhstan
    U.S. CENTCOM Commander Visits Kazakhstan

    - General James Mattis, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited Kazakhstan from 4-5 April 2012 as part of the United States' continued engagement in the region. Gen. Mattis met with Prime Minister Massimov and other senior Kazakhstani officials to exchange views on regional issues, gain a better understanding of the security situation, and to thank the Kazakhstani .. 

  • Sharon Cosgrove demonstrates stamping technique
    American Artist Sharon Cosgrove Visits Kazakhstan

    The American artist, Sharon Cosgrove, visited Kazakhstan from March 26-31. Her visit is sponsored by the ART in Embassies Program and the U.S. Embassy. Ms. Cosgrove, an arts educator from Pennsylvania, traveled to Kostanay, Astana and Almaty where she gave master classes and led discussions about art and new techniques in American art .. 

  • Drs. Gulzhan Muratbayeva (CDC/CAR), Sheyanov, George Schmid (CDC/CAR), and Kuatbayeva at the Atlanta Conference
    Kazakh Epidemiologists Return from International Health Meetings

    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Central Asian Regional Office (CDC/CAR) sponsored the participation of local epidemiologists in the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases held March 11-14, in Atlanta, USA, and the XIV International Symposium on Respiratory Viral Infections held March 23-26, in Istanbul, Turkey .. 

  • Joint Statement on Nuclear Security Training and Support Centers
    Joint Statement on Nuclear Security Training and Support Centers

    On the occasion of their participation in the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, Algeria, Australia, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States note their intent to collaborate .. 

  • U.S. Officials on Nuclear Security Summit, Trilateral Meeting
    U.S. Officials on Nuclear Security Summit, Trilateral Meeting

    Press briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, Deputy National Security Advisor for strategic communication Ben Rhodes, and NSC Director for nuclear threat reduction Shawn Gallagher. 

  • Women’s Youth Basketball Clinic/ Recreational League Program
    Women’s Youth Basketball Clinic/ Recreational League Program

    The U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan invites coaches and young women to participate in the Women’s Youth Basketball Clinic/Recreational League Program which will take place from April 30 to May 3 in Borovoye, Kazakhstan .. 

  • Fact Sheet: History of Trilateral Threat Reduction Cooperation at the Former Semipalatinsk Test Site
    Fact Sheet: History of Trilateral Threat Reduction Cooperation at the Former Semipalatinsk Test Site

    From 1949 through 1989, the Soviet Union conducted hundreds of underground nuclear tests and experiments at the former Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS). Located in remote eastern Kazakhstan, the STS occupies approximately 18,000 square kilometers, almost the size of New Jersey and over five times the size of the Nevada Test Site .. 

  • Joint Statement of the Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and the United States of America Regarding the Trilateral Cooperation at the Former Semipalatinsk Test Site
    Joint Statement Regarding the Trilateral Cooperation at the Former Semipalatinsk Test Site

    The Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and the United States of America have committed to combat the threat of nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism. Since 2004 our three countries have been collaborating to implement a number of projects aimed at elimination of the remnants of the past nuclear testing activities .. 

  • Remarks by President Obama, President Medvedev of Russia, and President Nazarbayev of Kazakstan at Trilateral Announcement
    Remarks by President Obama, President Medvedev, and President Nazarbayev at Trilateral Announcement

    PRESIDENT NAZARBAYEV: (As interpreted.) Well, probably as all of you know that Semipalatinsk nuclear test site was one of the largest nuclear test sites in the world, together with Nevada. And about 500 nuclear tests have been carried out on this test site, 70 of them in the open air ..  

  • President Obama and President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan speak to the press before a bilateral meeting in Seoul
    Remarks by President Obama and President Nursultan Nazarbayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan Before Bilateral Meeting

    PRESIDENT OBAMA: It is wonderful to see once again President Nazarbayev from Kazakhstan. And I want to first of all congratulate him on his leadership for the issues that are going to be discussed over the next two days. Twenty years ago, Kazakhstan made a decision not to have nuclear weapons. And not only has that led to growth and prosperity in his own country ..  Video »

  • Secretary Clinton’s Message on Nowruz
    Secretary Clinton’s Message on Nowruz

    Secretary Clinton: I am delighted to send best wishes to all those celebrating the festival of Nowruz. For over 3,000 years, Nowruz has been a time of hope for millions of people around the world. The spirit of compassion, family, and renewal is deeply woven throughout all of the rich cultural traditions of Nowruz, and reminds us of our shared commitment to a better world .. 

  • Charge Millard speaks with movie night guests
    Movie Night Spurs Conversations about Women’s Issues in Astana

    On March 5, to help promote and develop a women’s network in Astana, CDA Elisabeth Millard hosted a movie night at the Embassy in honor of Women’s History Month. Following the movie, 35 women from NGOs, universities, government ministries, and the diplomatic corps joined together to talk about ongoing cooperation and support for women’s issues in Kazakhstan ..  

  • President Obama on International Women’s Day
    President Obama on International Women’s Day

    On International Women’s Day, the United States celebrates the many achievements and milestones in the ongoing struggle for gender equality around the world, and reaffirms our commitment to accelerating progress. We are committed to a future in which our daughters and sons have equal opportunities to thrive, because when women succeed, communities and countries succeed ..  

  • Secretary Clinton on International Women’s Day
    Secretary Clinton on International Women’s Day

    Today, we honor women from all corners of the globe and the unique contributions they make. For over one hundred years, International Women’s Day has been a beacon of hope for so many women on the frontlines of progress who have fought to lift up their communities, their societies and change our world .. 

  • Reward for Information Offered on Fifth Anniversary of the Disappearance of Former FBI Agent Robert A. Levinson
    Reward for Information Offered on Fifth Anniversary of the Disappearance of Former FBI Agent Robert A. Levinson

    This week, on the five-year anniversary of his disappearance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announces a reward of up to $1,000,000 for information leading directly to the safe location, recovery, and return of Robert A. Levinson ..  

  • Charge Millard and American Embassy women with group of students at Kazakh- Turkish School for girls
    Elisabeth Millard speaks at Kazakh Turkish school for girls

    Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Elisabeth Millard speaks at Kazakh-Turkish Girls School for Women’s History Month. In honor of Women’s History Month, the U.S. Embassy organized a “Celebration of Women Day” on Friday, March 2 with 100 young women from the Kazakh-Turkish Girls School. Charge Millard was joined by five other American Embassy women who shared their life experiences ..  

  • Democracy Commission Small Grants Program
    Democracy Commission Small Grants Program

    The purpose of this program is to award small grants to the Kazakhstani non-governmental, non-commercial organizations for specific projects that support the development of democratic institutions in Kazakhstan. Proposals are evaluated according to the topic of the project, clearly formulated goals and target groups, and the ability of the applying organization to carry out the project aims ..  

  • Students viewing paintings
    Fulbright Alumna displays her works in Globalization of Art exhibit

    Public Affairs Counselor, Jeffrey Sexton, along with a Ministry of Culture representative and other international speakers opened the international art exhibit, Globalization of Art, on February 25 at the Palace of Independence. The exhibit includes Russian, French, and Kazakh artists as well as Fulbright Alumna Emily Mihalik whose works are a highlight of the exhibit ..  

  • Ambassador Fairfax with Rector Yerlan Sydykov
    Ambassador Fairfax speaks at Gumilyov Eurasian National University

    Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax met with graduate and PhD students and professors of Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana on February 21, 2012. Ambassador Fairfax discussed America’s public diplomacy overseas including cultural and educational programs and media outreach. The rector of the university, Yerlan Sadykov and students asked questions on topics .. 

  • Central Asia Counternarcotics Initiative Fact Sheet
    Central Asia Counternarcotics Initiative Fact Sheet

    The Central Asia Counternarcotics Initiative (CACI) is an inter-agency approved U.S. effort to assist Central Asian nations in combating drug trafficking from Afghanistan. With the approval of Central Asian governments, it envisions the establishment of Drug Enforcement Agency-mentored vetted investigative units of 20-25 personnel from host government drug control agencies .. 

  • United States and Kazakhstan Cooperate against Nuclear Smuggling
    United States and Kazakhstan Cooperate against Nuclear Smuggling

    Cooperation to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons is an integral part of the strategic partnership between the United States and Kazakhstan. As part of this cooperation, on February 16, 2012, officials from both countries met to discuss ways our countries can work together to prevent nuclear smuggling and to strengthen international and regional cooperation in order .. 

  • Ambassador Fairfax and young Kazakh musicians at the entrance to the Zhambyl Youth library
    New American Corner Opens in Almaty

    U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Kenneth Fairfax and Deputy Head of the Department of Culture of Almaty City Yerbolat Auezov officially opened a new American Corner at the Zhambyl Youth Library in Almaty on February 17. Greeted warmly by young girls in colorful traditional Kazakh dresses, the Ambassador and other guests enjoyed the kuys of Kazakh composers .. 

  • Statement on Freedom of Expression in Kazakhstan
    Statement on Freedom of Expression in Kazakhstan

    The United States wishes to express concern about recent developments in Kazakhstan on freedom of expression. The United States follows with great interest the implementation of Kazakhstan's new law on television and radio, and regrets that the new law does not incorporate any of the numerous recommendations by the OSCE's Representative on Freedom of the Media .. 

  • Press Conference with Ambassador Fairfax at the Public Policy Academy
    Press Conference with Ambassador Fairfax at the Public Policy Academy

    Press: There are some opinions and publications in the press assuming that an Arab Spring scenario might work here in Kazakhstan? What do you think about it? ..  

  • Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax with Rector Aryn Osariyev
    Ambassador Fairfax Speaks at Academy for Public Policy

    Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax met with future diplomats and government policy students and faculty of the Academy for Public Policy in Astana on February 6, 2012. The Ambassador discussed America’s public diplomacy overseas including cultural and educational programs and media outreach ..  

  • DCM Elisabeth Millard and President of Air Astana Peter Foster at Air Astana - Boeing signing ceremony on February 4, 2012 in Almaty
    Air Astana and Boeing Sign Historical Deal

    Chargé Elisabeth Millard and President of Air Astana Peter Foster at the anouncement of the purchase of the Boeing Dreamliner, February 4, 2012 in Almaty  

  • Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax Press Conference
    Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax Press Conference

    The U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan is pleased to invite all interested media representatives to a press conference on Wednesday, February 8, at 15:00 with Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax at the U.S. Embassy in Astana .. 

  • State’s Blake on U.S.-Kazakhstan Relationship Since Independence
    State’s Blake on U.S.-Kazakhstan Relationship Since Independence

    Remarks for the Atlantic Council Conference on Twenty Years of Kazakhstan’s Independence and U.S.-Diplomatic Relations  

  • Ambassador Ken Fairfax in KIMEP on January 27, 2012
    Ambassador Fairfax addresses KIMEP

    On January 27 Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax addressed students and faculty of the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research (KIMEP) in Almaty on U.S.- Kazakhstani relations and his diplomatic career ..  

  • Assistant Secretary Blake on U.S. Policy in Central Asia
    Assistant Secretary Blake on U.S. Policy in Central Asia

    Robert O. Blake Jr., U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and a SAIS graduate, discussed “U.S. Interests in Central Asia and Its Strategy for Advancing Them” on Wednesday, January 25. 

  • Ambassador emphasizing the importance of questioning everything
    Ambassador Fairfax addresses Nazarbayev University

    Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax addressed over 200 students, faculty members, and administrative staff members at Nazarbayev University Monday, January 23, 2012. The Ambassador spoke on the history of Western thought and why Americans think the way they do. After the Ambassador’s presentation there was a brief question and answer period during which the Ambassador ..  

  • Remarks by Ambassador Kelly at OSCE on Elections in Kazakhstan
    Remarks by Ambassador Kelly at OSCE on Elections in Kazakhstan

    The United States notes with concern that the preliminary assessments by the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Council of Europe found that a variety of issues caused the January 15 elections in Kazakhstan to fall short of the international standards to which Kazakhstan has committed itself ..  

  • Ambassador with Business Council
    Ambassador talks to Business Council of Young Diplomats

    On January 17th, U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Kenneth Fairfax met with three dozen young people through a program organized by the Business Council of Young Diplomats. The meeting was informative for both sides as Ambassador Fairfax discussed diplomacy and foreign policy, business, and future U.S.-Kazakhstani cooperation with future diplomats and businesspersons.  

  • Parliamentary Elections in Kazakhstan
    Parliamentary Elections in Kazakhstan

    We welcome the monitoring of the parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe delegations and acknowledge their preliminary assessment that a variety of issues caused this election to fall short of the international standards to which Kazakhstan has committed itself ..  

  • Cultural Exchange in Music: One Beat Program
    Cultural Exchange in Music: One Beat Program

    OneBeat is an international music exchange that celebrates musical collaboration and social engagement through innovative people-to-people diplomacy. In the fall of 2012, 30 musicians (ages 19-35) from around the world will come together in the U.S. for four weeks to collaboratively write, produce, and perform original music, and develop ways that music can make a positive impact on our local and global communities ..  

Ambassador's Remarks

Statements by Senior Officials

Press Releases

Adobe Reader

  • Download Free
    Download Free

    All downloadable documents on this page are provided in PDF format.  To view PDFs you must have a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.  You may download a free version by clicking the link above.