Robert O. Blake
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 13:04
So there are both tremendous opportunities but also still tremendous challenges that need to be undertaken. Again, I think we really want to continue to increase our cooperation in Kazakhstan on these because again, many of these international organizations are based here in Almaty, things like CAREC where a lot of this information exchange has to take place.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 12:49
The U.S. partnership with Kazakhstan has grown dramatically over the last 20 years, as Kazakhstan has become a regional and increasingly global leader. Kazakhstan has been the strongest advocate in this region of the New Silk Road, of strengthening economic and commercial linkages across South and Central Asia to connect the region more closely with the rest of Asia and Europe.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 12:26
I think what’s happened today shows that there is now not only regional buy-in into the concept of regional integration but there is also now concrete progress being made in many many different spheres that show that these countries are putting their own resources into this effort and really believe it. I really want to commend them again, and particularly Kazakhstan and Afghanistan for really driving this progress and process.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 10:53
Over the last several decades, so many countries – like Turkey and India – have built dynamic growth, opportunity, and hope for their peoples. And in the 21st century, with the support and engagement of partners like the Turkic American Alliance, this region can become a part of that global success story.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 10:48
As the political, economic, and security transitions in Afghanistan continue, many commentators are already recasting the story of the region in terms of a renewed "Great Game" while also forecasting diminished U.S. interest in the region. But I reject this narrative. Our engagement with, and commitment to, Central Asia and its people will continue far beyond 2014.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 10:38
As a general rule that human rights and promotion of democracy are very very important parts of our dialogue with the government of Uzbekistan and of course our support for civil society. Afghanistan will continue to be an important part of what we discussed, but the overall message was that Uzbekistan will continue to be important to the United States after the transition in Afghanistan and we will continue to attach a high priority to developing further these relations after 2014.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 10:13
The theory was that somehow the United States and China and India and Russia were in competition for influence and for strategic gain in Central Asia. Again, what we’ve tried to stress is that that’s not the case. We are not seeking to pursue opportunities in Central Asia at the expense of Russia or China or any other country. In fact we see that there are very significant opportunities for all of us and also quite important opportunities for us to work together.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 09:47
Turkmenistan has played an important role in helping to develop regional infrastructure and regional economic integration. The United States feels we’re making good progress to broaden and deepen our relations with Turkmenistan.
Monday, July 1, 2013 - 14:02
I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to speak with you about our policy priorities in Central Asia as we enter a critical and dynamic phase in our relationship with this important part of the world.