A solemn reception dedicated to the 26th anniversary of Kazakhstan's Independence took place in Washington D.C. Representatives of the White House, the State Department, Pentagon and leadership of large American companies as well as investors, business and scientific community of the United States attended the event. In the given speech, Deputy Assistant to the US President, Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the National Security Council, Lisa Curtis, highly appreciated Kazakhstan's contribution to global non-proliferation regime, maintenance of stability and security, peacekeeping activities as well as the country’s role as a member of the UN Security Council for 2017 -2018. The politician highlighted that Kazakhstan continues to be a reliable partner of the United States in all key areas.

LISA CURTIS, DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO US PRESIDENT, SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA AT NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL:
- Thank you for the invitation to join this evening celebration of Kazakhstan’s independence. It is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to speak on this special occasion marking 26 years of freedom and close relationship between our two countries. When Kazakhstan declared independence on December 16th 1991, the United States immediately recognized Kazakhstan’s tremendous potential as a partner. We look forward to welcoming president Nazarbayev for the upcoming visit to the US in January.

The Czech Republic marked the Independence Day of Kazakhstan, too. Representatives of the Presidential Administration, Parliament, prominent politicians and businessmen of the country came to congratulate Kazakhstan with the main holiday. Guests of the reception highlighted that during the years of Independence, Kazakhstan has achieved significant results. The Czech experts highly appreciate Kazakhstan's initiatives in the international arena and especially emphasize the country’s peacekeeping activities.

PHILIP VOJTECH, DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON, CHAMBER OF PARLIAMENT MEMBERS, CZECH REPUBLIC:
- We have strengthened our ties. The opportunities of the Czech Republic in Kazakhstan and vice versa are very good. I highly appreciate Astana EXPO 2017. We highly appreciate contributions by Kazakhstan, President Nazarbayev and politicians who promote peace in the world. In my given speech, I appreciated your efforts to promote peace in Syria.

This year Kazakhstan was the first among the CIS member countries to host Astana EXPO 2017. The Czech Republic took an active part in the world exhibition. Experts congratulate Kazakhstan on the successful organization of a large-scale event and highlight the relevance of the Future Energy theme to the entire world.

JAN KRS, COMMISSIONER, CZECH EXPO PAVILION:
- This was a great success and contribution not only to development of Kazakhstan’s economy, but also to prestige in the world. Regarding the impressions from the expo, most of all I liked the programs designed for children in Kazakhstan’s pavilion. Of course, I want to highlight a good organization. I would like to wish peace and prosperity to Kazakhstan and all Kazakhs.

A big gala concert was dedicated to the Independence Day of Kazakhstan in the Czech Republic. The Arkaim ethno-folklore duet surprised the public with creativity. The musicians performed folk songs on the ancient Kazakh instruments. The unique sound of dombyra, shankobyz and sazsyrnai earned love of the guests. Zhamilya Serkebayeva’s performance surprised the Czech public. A famous Kazakh violinist fascinated the spectators with her virtuosic performance.

This year Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. During these years, the countries have become reliable partners and intend to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.