Kazakh Armed Forces - guarantee of national security - Kazak Ambassador to U.S.
Representatives of the White House, the Department of State, the US Department of Defense, foreign states' military attachés, accredited in the U.S. capital and social-political figures of the receiving country took part in the reception.
Kazakh Ambassador to the U.S. Yerlan Idrissov in his greeting speech noted the Kazakh Armed Forces, established on May 7, 1992, by Kazakh President's decree on the 'establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan' proved to be the guarantee of our national security. Over the years the Kazakh Army strengthened mutually beneficial partnership with the Armed Forces of such leading countries as the U.S., Russia, China, the EU countries, Turkey and the Muslim world. The Armed Forces of Kazakhstan on a regular basis take part in various exercises both bilaterally and multilaterally within international organizations such as the CSTO, the SCO and NATO, reflecting the multi-vector foreign policy of the country.
In turn, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Lavoie, who attended the reception as the guest of honor on behalf of the U.S. Armed Forces, stressed the importance of Kazakhstan's army as a positive factor ensuring the regional stability. In particular, Peter Lavoie expressed deep appreciation for participation of Kazakhstan's military forces in explosives disposal in Iraq.
In addition, the U.S. representative expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for its support of international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including the training of Afghans in the best universities of Kazakhstan.
The high level reception has generated great interest among the U.S. military-political leadership and foreign military and diplomatic corps in Washington, and cemented Kazakhstan's reputation as a reliable and consistent partner of the international community.
