WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today delivered the following statement on Kazakhstan:

“As President Nazarbayev moves out of the presidency into a new role in Kazakhstan, President Tokayev has an historic opportunity to implement the reforms necessary to hold free and pluralistic elections, helping to ensure a successful and independent Kazakhstan for future generations. I continue to believe a strong U.S.-Kazakh relationship will benefit the people of both our nations. I hope Kazakhstan will take the steps needed to become a model for Central Asia and the world.”

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