December 16 declared Independence Day of Kazakhstan in Houston
During the visit, Kairat Umarov met with Mayor of Houston Anise Parker, and they discussed a wide range of issues of strengthening trade-economic and cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan and Houston. Kairat Umarov informed Madam Mayor of the current investment preferences implemented by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and inspired companies from Houston actively participate in implementation of Kazakhstani President's new industrial program "Nurly Zhol" and to participate in the Expo-2017. In order to practically utilize these efforts Ambassador Umarov encouraged Mayor Parker to lead a business delegation of Houston-based companies to Kazakhstan next year. Taking into account that Kazakh community in Houston is the third largest in the area, Ambassador Umarov discussed issues of establishing cultural ties with Houston. In particular, Mayor Parker agreed to consider the establishment of sister-city relations between the "oil capitals" of two nations Atyrau and Houston. As follow-up to the meeting and in honor of the 23rd anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mayor of Houston Anise Parker announced December 16, 2014 in Houston a Day of celebration of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Also during the trip Kazakh representatives met with the leadership of one of the leading specialized medical centers in the US - MD Anderson Cancer Center. During the meeting, Kairat Umarov was briefed on Center's latest developments in the area of early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, which greatly increases the cure chances for patients. Multidisciplinary cancer research approach and tailor-made treatment of patients made center one of the best and most efficient in the world. As a result of the meeting, MD Anderson Cancer Center senior officials agreed to visit Kazakhstan in order to discuss possible cooperation with Kazakhstani colleagues.