Asel Roberts has made history as the first ethnic Kazakh woman ever confirmed to serve as a US ambassador after the Senate approved her appointment to Slovenia in a closely watched vote.

President Donald Trump nominated Roberts in February 2026, and the US Senate confirmed her on May 18 as part of a package vote covering 49 nominees. During Senate hearings earlier this year, Roberts described Slovenia as a vital NATO ally and pledged to strengthen economic and security ties between Washington and Ljubljana, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

Born in Kazakhstan in 1976, Roberts moved to the United States after the collapse of the Soviet Union and went on to build a high-profile diplomatic career spanning nearly two decades. She previously served as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Chief of Protocol at the US State Department, coordinating American missions around the world and taking part in negotiations under five presidential administrations.

Roberts emphasized Slovenia’s growing role in Euro-Atlantic security, highlighting the country’s increased defense spending and participation in NATO and EU missions in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She also pointed to Slovenia’s strategic position between Central Europe and the Western Balkans, calling it an important gateway for transatlantic trade and advanced industries.

A graduate of Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service, Roberts holds a degree in international law and organizations and speaks Kazakh, Russian, and Japanese.

Her confirmation drew praise from the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Washington, which congratulated Roberts on her appointment and wished her success in her new diplomatic role.

The milestone comes as Kazakhstan continues to gain greater international visibility, including recently assuming the chairmanship of Committee A at the World Health Assembly for the first time in its history.