Nazarbayev Center and Jamestown Foundation signed memo of understanding

Perspectives of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and U.S. in the sphere of non-proliferation, issues of social-economic development of Kazakhstan, regional security and integration in the Central Asia, Afghanistan's situation and the situation around the nuclear program of Iran are the main topics of the meetings, the press service of the Nazarbayev Center reported.

A memorandum on cooperation between Nazarbayev Center and Jamestown Foundation was signed during K. Saudabayev's visit.     

The memo provides for joint efforts to promote and implement research and analysis in the areas of peace and regional security, disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, the socio-economic, cultural, humanitarian and democratic development.

"Our partnership agreement with such an influential analytical center as "Jamestown Foundation" is an important step in the implementation of taks facing "Nazarbayev Center" to contribute to the development of international cooperation of Kazakhstan in the political, social, humanitarian and other fields, and the dissemination of knowledge about Kazakhstan its place and role in the world community. We are confident that our partnership will further strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States," K. Saudabayev told.

President of Jamestown Foundation Glen Howard expressed great satisfaction with the signing of the memorandum and noted the wide perspectives for bilateral cooperation.  

Former United States Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Julie Finley expressed her view on the Kazakh President's policy and its meaning for the country and the Central Asia. "The ATOM project is an inspirational initiative that reaffirms the reputation of Kazakhstan as a country putting forward major international initiatives, and which, of course, will be implemented," J. Finley told.

According to the authoritative expert, the realization of the project could contribute to further strengthening of the Central Asian countries' relations.

The Director of Nazarbayev Center also met with the Senior Director for Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism and Threat Reduction of the U.S. National Security Council Laura Holgate, and the famous writer and editor of the "Washington Post" newspaper U.S. archivist David Ferriero.