Kazakhstan, Afghanistan discuss fight against terrorism
ASTANA. January 21. KAZINFORM Today, Foreign Minister Yerlan Idrissov has received Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Jawed Ludin who is on a working visit to the Kazakh capital.
All foreign troops, including NATO forces, are expected to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. Mr. Ludin assured Minister Idrissov Afghanistan was ready to ensure its own security. "Today, we have discussed the bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, in the first place; we have conducted consultations in the key spheres of economy and investments," Vice Foreign Minister of Afghanistan told journalists after the meeting.
"During the meeting I have conveyed the best wishes from President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai to the Kazakh leader Nursultan Nazarbayev. Together with Mr. Idrissov, we have touched upon the bilateral collaboration in a number of fields. Kazakhstan is an important player in the region that assists Afghanistan in many spheres, especially in education. Kazakhstan has already offered 100 education grants to Afghani students. Fight against terrorism has been reviewed as well, since only joint efforts can eliminate this regional problem," J.Ludin added.
"Preparations for the upcoming Istanbul Process Conference in April have also been high on the agenda of the meeting. As the coordinator and chairman from the Afghani side, I am fully satisfied with the preparations for this event and thank Kazakhstan for their assistance in this matter," he concluded.