Kazakh Defense Minister opens “Steppe Eagle-2009” exercises
15:46, 14 September 2009
ANA. September 14. KAZINFOR /Yekaterina Ionova/ Opening ceremony of the International specialized tactical peacekeeping exercise "Steppe Eagle-2009" has been held Monday at the Ili polygon of the Airmobile Forces of the Kazakh Armed Forces. Kazakh Defense Minister Adilbek Dzhaksybekov took part in the opening ceremony.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Great Britain to Kazakhstan Paul Barmmel, USA Ambassador to Kazakhstan Richard Hoagland, representatives of the NATO headquarter and the military-diplomatic corps accredited in Kazakhstan took part in the ceremony as well.
Military men of the Kazakh Army, the Armed Forces of Great Britain and the USA take part in the exercises. The military men are preparing to execute peacekeeping mission in the area of conflict as part of multinational contingent. Over 1300 people, 100 units of military and special equipment, military transport aircraft are involved in the exercises.
"Steppe Eagle-2009" exercises will last by September 26, 2009.