Kairat Umarov

Kairat Umarov began his working life in education, historical research, and translation before entering Kazakhstan's foreign ministry in 1992. He developed substantial American experience as an embassy officer in 1994–1996 and minister-counselor in 1998–2003. An ambassadorship in India, with additional responsibility for Sri Lanka, and service as deputy foreign minister preceded his return to Washington as ambassador in 2013. ¹

Umarov used public meetings to connect officials, legislators, and businesses. He opened a December 2013 U.S.-Kazakhstan convention in Washington, sponsored by the embassy and several partner organizations. Congressional speakers and administration officials discussed security, human rights, investment, education, and scientific cooperation. ²

After Washington, Umarov became Kazakhstan's permanent representative to the United Nations in 2017. He subsequently served in Austria and at the international organizations in Vienna, then as first deputy foreign minister. He returned to the United Nations as permanent representative in May 2024. ¹