Mitch Landrieu: “I wish to send my best wishes to the new Kazakhstan Secretary of State, Kanat Saudabayev. Before assuming his new…”

“I wish to send my best wishes to the new Kazakhstan Secretary of State, Kanat Saudabayev. Before assuming his new position, Secretary Saudabayev served as the Kazakh Ambassador to the United States for almost 7 years. During this time, I have had the privilege of working closely with Secretary Saudabayev in strengthening the relationships between Kazakhstan, the United States, and particularly Louisiana. On May 15, 2007, Ambassador Saudabayev was appointed to the position of Secretary of State for Kazakhstan. This elevation follows a two-decade career as a diplomat. His postings include such important nations as the United Kingdom and Turkey during the 1990s. In December 2000, Secretary Saudabayev was selected as the Ambassador to the United States. Secretary Saudabayev has proven what a skilled diplomat can do in Washington. Representing a young nation with immense potential, he has built Kazakhstan's reputation as a reliable ally in the war on terrorism and a pro-American voice in Central Asia.”