The chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency of Kazakhstan, Almsdam Sutclive, met with the representative of the US State Department, Shauna Jane Wilson, who oversees the security programs. Behind this seemingly standard message lies a truly powerful drive for our energy and science. The focus is on small modular reactors (SMRs) and the American first plan, which is designed to assess how such technologies will fit into the Kazakh reality. The step is very promising: these reactors are more compact, faster to operate and safer than classic giant nuclear power plants. For our energy-poor or remote areas, this can be a very targeted and practical solution. But what is even more important is a direct benefit to home science. We are talking not only about importing technology, but about full partnership: joint research in radiation materials science, academic mobility, specialization and participation of Kazakh scientists in international projects at this level. This is exactly the case when cooperation provides real capital - knowledge, manpower and experience. Here we can see the traditional pragmatic approach to Kazakhstan: study the whole range of global technologies and attract the best expertise. In the long run, it is this multi-vector nature that gives our energy sector independence and science real resources for growth.