Kairat Umarov (born 12 January 1963) is a diplomat for the Republic of Kazakhstan.
He was appointed to the post of Permanent Representative to the United Nations on 4 January 2016.Previously, Umarov served as Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States from early 2013 to 4 January 2016.
From 1998 to 2003, he served as Minister-Counselor at the Washington Embassy.Most recently, he was deputy foreign minister.
As Ambassador, Umarov has emphasized cooperation with the U.S.
in the areas of economic development and investment.
He has met with civil society groups and discussed religious freedom in Kazakhstan and has served on panels in Washington, D.C.
on Kazakhstan’s economic and political influence in the region.
Ambassador Umarov wrote an oped in US News & World Report making the case why Kazakhstan should serve as non-permanent member on the U.N.
Security Council for 2017-2018.In support of Kazakhstan's selection to the UN Security Council, the Ambassador cites Kazakhstan's founding of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, membership in Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the Partnership for Peace, NATO cooperation, annual hosting of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, involvement in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, hosting P5+1 talks on Iran's nuclear program, establishing KazAID and the Green Bridge Partnership Program, and work to ensure water and energy security.Kairat Umarov also actively participated in establishing diplomatic relations with Belize.