LEXINGTON, Ky. — A delegation from Kazakhstan visited Lexington in May through the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program, a professional exchange that brings international leaders to the United States to strengthen diplomatic ties and share expertise.

The group, which visited from May 12-16, met with Global Lex Executive Director Dr. Basel Touchan and his team to discuss how local governments build international partnerships and attract investment, according to a city announcement. The delegation also participated in a mine tour with the Kentucky Geological Survey and The Allen Company at Lexington Quarry in Nicholasville to examine mineral extraction and Kentucky's geological resources.

The visit was part of a statewide Kentucky program focused on critical minerals, responsible development and global supply chains. The World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana organized the programming. Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a key supplier of strategic minerals needed for clean energy and advanced technologies. The country can supply 20 of the 60 critical minerals included on the U.S. Geological Survey list, making it an important player in global supply chain diversification efforts as Western nations seek alternatives to concentrated suppliers.

"Kentucky is vast, and so is our reach around the world," said Aletia Robey, Exchange Program Manager for the World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana. "Working with Global Lex on the recent IVLP project helped me design a meaningful program for the delegation, and has provided other engagement opportunities for future delegations coming to our region."

The program reflects Lexington's broader commitment to international engagement. Global Lex serves as the city's multilingual international center, supporting the region's growing international community and facilitating strategic partnerships across various fields.