NATO Sec Gen A. F. Rasmussen: Kazakhstan - key partner of NATO in Central Asia

The NATO Secretary General congratulated Kazakhstan on the OSCE chairmanship and said that the Alliance was interested in close cooperation with our country. Anders Fogh Rasmussen also epxressed confidence in further strengthening of interaction between the organizations during our presidency in the OSCE.

The situation in Afghanistan and the prospects of cooperation between the Alliance and the OSCE were discussed at the meeting. It was stated that the Afghan issue would remain priority one for the Alliance. "NATO appreciates Kazakhstan's efforts on maintenance of the International forces in this country, in particular, for your decision on cargo transit that is of special importance for the Alliance and success of the operation", the Sec Gen stressed.

A.Rasmussen noted that Kazakhstan made every effort to assist Afghanistan in humanitarian sphere that coincided with the common efforts of the world community promising to increase the humanitarian aid to this country.

The sides agreed that the problem of Afghanistan could not be solved only through military operations. "In this view it is necessary to enhance efforts in humanitarian sphere. Therefore the OSCE with its accumulated potential and instruments could play an important role in this process" the parties stressed.

The topicality of the idea of the Kazakh President to hold the OSCE Summit was complimented at the meeting as well.

K.Saudabayev invited the Head of the Alliance to visit Kazakhstan. The invitation was kindly accepted.