NATO appreciates role of Kazakhstan in regional and global security system: A.F.Rasmussen

The NATO Secretary General noted that Kazakhstan is a key partner of the Alliance and complimented the policy of President Nursultan Nazarbayev in provision of the regional security.

On behalf of the Alliance he thanked Kazakhstan for comprehensive contribution to the process of provision of international security and Afghanistan reconstruction. Besides, A.F.Rasmussen expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side for the economic and humanitarian assistance to Kabul and provision of the Alliance with air and railway transit for support of the operation of the International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

A.F.Rasmussen expressed interest in further activation of work with Kazakhstan on Afghan and a range of other issues.

As Y.Utembayev noted, first of all this is adoption of the second cycle of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) for 2009-2011 that provides threefold more activities compared to the first stage (over 150). Kazakhstan is the only country in Central Asian region that cooperates with NATO within the IPAP and joined "The Concept of Operational Capability" Program.

Concerning the issues of cooperation development the Kazakh Ambassador spoke for activation of cooperation in such spheres as cyber-security, use of advanced technologies in defense and civil planning, scientific research and innovations, experience exchange within "Science for Peace" program, etc.

The sides paid special attention to the issues of global security within the agenda of the Kazakhstan's OSCE chairmanship. The NATO leadership appreciated the work of Kazakhstan on implementation of the priorities of the Organization for 2010. The role of Astana in settling the situation in Kyrgyzstan was complimented as well.

Besides, the parties discussed the issues of holding the OSCE Foreign Ministers informal summit in Almaty on July 16-17.