U.S. Senate Confirms Julie Stufft as Next Ambassador to Kazakhstan
Washington, The Gulf Observer: The U.S. Senate has confirmed Julie Stufft as the next U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan in a 51–47 vote, according to media reports.
A career member of the U.S. Foreign Service, Stufft brings extensive diplomatic experience to the post, having previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. embassies in Moldova and Djibouti, as well as in various capacities at U.S. embassies in Russia, Ethiopia, and Poland.
Stufft holds degrees from Case Western Reserve University and Duke University, and is fluent in Russian, Romanian, French, and Polish. In 2023, she received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor granted to civilian federal employees. Her numerous distinctions also include seven Superior Honor Awards and the American Foreign Service Association’s Award for Constructive Dissent by a Senior Officer.
During her Senate confirmation hearing, Stufft outlined her principal goals for her tenure in Astana, underscoring the importance of security, diplomacy, and economic partnership.
“If confirmed, my top priority will be ensuring the safety and security of all Americans in Kazakhstan, including the staff of our embassy and consulate teams,” she stated.
Highlighting the strategic significance of U.S.-Kazakhstan relations, Stufft emphasized the need to deepen cooperation in energy and critical minerals, noting Kazakhstan’s role as a global leader in uranium production and a major exporter of oil and rare minerals.
“Today, we stand on the threshold of a new era of commercial and energy cooperation with Kazakhstan,” she said, adding that she plans to collaborate with the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), and private sector partners to enhance bilateral trade and investment in energy, technology, and infrastructure.
Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D–New Hampshire) and Steve Daines (R–Montana) commended Stufft’s diplomatic record and welcomed her appointment, expressing confidence that her leadership will strengthen the long-standing partnership between the United States and Kazakhstan.
