NATO highly appraises Kazakhstan's security policy
BRUSSELS. June 22. KAZINFORM /Yerzhan Ospanov/ - The EAPC (Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council) held a sitting at the defense ministry level at the NATO headquarters. Ambassador Yermek Utembayev and Colonel and Military Representative of Kazakhstan Defense Ministry at the NATO Kairgeldy Yesseneyev were representing Kazakhstani party of the sitting, Kazinform has learnt from the Kazakhstan Embassy in Brussels.
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer who chaired the sitting pointed out the big contribution of Kazakhstan to the EAPC work, organization of the security forum which is scheduled on June 24-25 in Astana and particularly accentuated the issues of Afghanistan and regional security.
To activate interaction between Kazakhstan and the NATO Ambassador Utembayev held a number of meetings with the NATO administration. The main aspects of the status and future prospects of the bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and the organization were discussed.
The parties pointed out the importance to make effective use of the potential of the Program of the Individual Partnership Action Plan between Kazakhstan and the NATO and the basic point of interaction.
The Kazakhstani diplomat also emphasized the realization of joint projects given the new mutually beneficial spheres and more active cooperation in modern technologies.
Deputy Secretary General Claudio Bisogniero pointed out Kazakhstan is a leader and the key partner of the NATO in Central Asia, hence reinforcement and deepening of cooperation with Kazakhstan is meaningful. Bisogniero confirmed the readiness of the NATO to support Kazakhstan in this direction that will bring the partnership to a new level.
Ambassador Howard highly appraised the consecutive policy of Kazakhstan in the NATO and thanked for proving air space for the NATO member countries' aviation and appreciated Kazakhstan's readiness to enter the Agreement on land transit of non-military cargoes for the NATO international security forces in Afghanistan. At that, the Ambassador pointed the high potential of Kazakhstan in the peacemaking activity in Afghanistan.
Assistant to the NATO Secretary General Jiri Shedivy expressed particular interest in the development of the NATO-Kazakhstan opportunities in the defense and terrorism spheres, new emerging challenges and threats, pointing out Kazakhstan's key role in the region.
On the whole touching upon the issue of global security the NATO gave a high appraisal to the policy and activity of Kazakhstan President and the initiative of Kazakhstan in the sphere of nuclear disarmament and nuclear weapons non-proliferation, shut-down of the largest nuclear testing site and creation of the nuclear-free zone which proves the leadership of Kazakhstan in the region ensuring stability which also manifested by the upcoming OSCE chairmanship.