I am confident that Kazakhstan has wonderful future - Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the US John M. Ordway

- Mr. Ordway, you have been to our country before, how do you assess the changes have been occurring in Kazakhstan since your departure from the country in 2008? What areas show significant progress? - Until now I have worked here twice as US ambassador in 2004-2008 and as chargé d'affaires in Kazakhstan in 2011. Kazakhstan has demonstrated progress in almost every area, whether talking about the infrastructure, growing potential of civil society, education and regional cooperation. Our cooperation with Kazakhstan in the field of education is also expanding. This year over five thousand representatives of Kazakh youth study in the U.S. There are university and high school students, and members of the short-term exchange programs. Kazakhstan is continuing to develop green economy and high-tech industry. Much remains to be done, but I think that Kazakhstan has achieved a lot and continues on the path of progress. - You have repeatedly received awards of American Chamber of Commerce for your contribution to the development of commercial diplomacy. How do business relations between the U.S. and Kazakhstan develop? - "Chevron" was the first major international investor in Kazakhstan, and then it was followed by many other American business structures. You can see the U.S. commercial presence in many sectors of the Kazakh economy. "General Electric". Locomotive plant, "Citibank" and "Honeywell" are known here as the U.S. investors. Speaking about high technologies I would like to mention "Thales Raytheon System" plant which produces complex radars designed for Kazakhstan air defense. I was glad to hear President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced that American citizens, as citizens of several other countries, have proven themselves as active investors in the economy of Kazakhstan, and they are able to stay in the country without a visa for up to two weeks. Kazakhstan citizens can now receive a five-year visa to visit the United States. Kazakhstan is the only country in Central Asia which citizens can receive a five-year visa. - How do you assess the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union? - We want your country to have good trade relations with its neighbors. The United States supports Kazakhstan's efforts to join the World Trade Organization. Maintaining open markets, both inside and outside, the Eurasian Economic Union will contribute to the economic prosperity of Kazakhstan. - You are fluent in English, Russian, Czech, Italian, French, German, basic Armenian and Kazakh languages. How did you learn the Kazakh language and what is your secret of language learning? - I learned the Kazakh language, and I am happy that I have another opportunity to practice it. Some people are more receptive and able to learn foreign languages. - What Kazakh books have you read? - I like Abay, the poem by Shakarim Kudaiberdiev "Kalkaman-Mamyr", "Thorny path" written by Saken Seifulin - the incredible story of revolution and civil war in Kazakhstan. This summer I hope to start reading "Nomads" by Ilyas Yesenberlin. - You've been to many regions of our country. What region did you like the most? - I lived in Almaty and Astana. I'm partial to mountains and I like them at any time of year. I was very impressed necropolis in Magystau region. - What do you want to wish the people of Astana and Kazakhstan in connection with the Day of the capital? - On the Day of the capital Astana I wish Kazakhstan people health and happiness. The day of Astana is the holiday for the whole country. I am confident that Kazakhstan has wonderful future. - Thank you for the interview.