ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 17. Members of the Committee on International Relations, Defense, and Security of the Kazakh Senate held an extended session to review the draft law "On the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the United States of America on the Lease of a Land Plot to the Government of the United States of America for the Construction of U.S. Consular Facilities in the City of Almaty," Trend reports via the Senate (the upper chamber of Parliament) of the Parliament of Kazakhstan.
The document delineates the stipulations and provisions governing the leasing of real property for the establishment of the US consulate facility. The contractual instrument was executed on September 27, 2024, in the jurisdiction of New York.
“According to the terms of the agreement, the US will independently cover all costs for construction, maintenance, and operation of the facility. The US will also be exempt from taxes, customs duties, and permit procedures. The future General Consulate will host offices of the US Department of Commerce, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Commercial Service, as well as the PEPFAR program and other structures,” stated the Senate press service.
According to the senators, the consulate will become the largest visa hub in Central Asia, enhancing Kazakhstan’s investment appeal, creating jobs, and supporting the development of business and service sectors. Ratification of the agreement will strengthen the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States and boost the confidence of international investors.
Subsequent to the session, the committee members resolved to escalate the legislative proposal for deliberation by the lower house.
In accordance with the provisions outlined in the contractual agreement executed in the previous fiscal year, a parcel of land encompassing 70,593 square meters is currently under lease to the United States for a duration of 49 years. The aggregate lease remuneration will amount to $25.3 million and is required to be remitted in its entirety within a 30-day window following the activation of the contractual agreement.
