New York, NY - The Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) works around the world to inform and foster dialogue amongst critical stakeholders on key global issues. We do this through our programs with the U.S. Congress and the United Nations, engaging young people, supporting cultural diplomacy, and working on humanitarian programs.
The Humpty Dumpty Institute, working with the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the United States, organized a U.S. Congressional Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan August 27 – September 3, 2022. The Delegation was composed of Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY). The purpose of this trip was to allow Members of Congress to better understand the crucial role Kazakhstan plays in regional security in Central Asia. The trip also laid the groundwork for robust U.S. – Kazakhstan cultural, business, and academic engagement.
On arrival in Almaty, the Congressmen had a working lunch with the U.S. Consul General. This was followed by a visit to the Office of the Mayor of Almaty, Yerbolat Dossayev, and then a meeting with the Chief Rabbi of Kazakhstan and a visit to the grave of Lubavitch Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson. The next day, August 30, the Congressmen were able to learn about the cultural history of Kazakhstan with visits to the Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, the second tallest wooden structure in the world. They also became acquainted with the nomadic history of the Kazakh nation during a visit to The Huns ethno village.
On August 31, Rep. Panetta and Rep Suozzi departed for Turkestan, an ancient city of immense historical significance. They met Mayor Umirzak Shukeyev, who had previously been Minister of Agriculture. They also had the opportunity to tour the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Thursday, September 1 the Congressmen saw Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. They were briefed upon arrival at the U.S. Embassy to Kazakhstan. At lunch with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mukhtar Beskenuly Tileuberdi, the Congressmen were able to discuss issues of importance to U.S. foreign policy. Later in the day, they met with the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Discussions centered on the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and the importance of strong U.S./Kazak bilateral trade, economic, and investment cooperation.
On the final day of the visit, the Congressmen met with representatives of Chevron. This leading U.S. company is Kazakhstan’s largest private oil producer, holding important stakes in two of the nation’s biggest oil-producing fields – Tengiz and Karachaganak. Rep. Panetta and Rep. Suozzi also met with Senators of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, creating important U.S./Kazakhstan inter-legislative ties.
HDI is honored to arrange programs that foster dialogue and advance U.S. strategic interests. All HDI’s Congressional Programs adhere to regulations set forth by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics and are approved prior to travel. The Congressional Delegation to Kazakhstan was conducted under the authority and regulations of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchanges Act of 1961.
