During the Kazakhstan session at the Convention related to Energy, Trade, and Development, His Excellency Kairat Umarov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States, noted that Astana is among the top five rapidly growing economies all over the world. According to Mr. Umarov, Kazakhstan is an important partner in advancing connectivity, peace, and economic integration in Central Asian region, and at the same time it manages to secure frank and sincere relations with both China and Russian. He also mentioned that Kazakhstan has strong and friendly relations with the United States and Turkey, while the latter has helped a lot to build a new country after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
William Courtney, former US Ambassador to Kazakhstan was a moderator of a forum, while Dr. Ariel Cohen, senior research fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies and International Energy Policy Heritage Foundation, Prof. Sean Roberts, Director of International Development Studies Program, George Washington University, Dr. Richard Weitz, Director of Center for Political-Military Analysis at Hudson Institute, Julia Nanay, Senior Director of Markets & Country Strategies at PFC Energy, and Islambek Salzhanov, President of Altyn Kyran Companies gave a speech at the forum. Dr. Cohen mentioned the diversification of the Kazakh energy export to China which is going to put an end Russia’s hegemony and improve the competition in Kazakh energy market.
