Kazakhstan seeks to attract US companies in green technology development
Kazakh of Foreign Minister Erlan Idrisov, who is on an official visit to Washington, met with the management of the largest US companies operating in Kazakhstan.
The Kazakhstan Foreign Ministry reported that during the joint meeting, Idrisov urged the leading US corporations to support the development of appropriate infrastructure and 'green' technology in Kazakhstan, as well as to participate in the forthcoming Expo-2017 international exhibition.
Idrisov also met with U.S. Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel, national security adviser Susan Rice and her deputy Antony Blinken.
The two sides discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation, including military and technical cooperation, issues of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, regional and international security, as well as assistance to restore peace in Afghanistan.
Noting the fruitful work of the defence ministries of Kazakhstan and the United States under the five-year cooperation plan for 2013-2017, Idrisov stressed the importance of further cooperation in military education, military and technical cooperation, and cyber security.
The sides also agreed to explore the possibility of exchange of visits by the defence ministers of the two countries To further deepen cooperation in the defence field.
Discussing the Afghan issue, the Kazakh Foreign Minister said that Kazakhstan is a reliable regional partner of the United States on stabilising the situation in Afghanistan.
"The contribution of Kazakhstan is well known. We have assisted the development of the Northern Distribution Network, supported the 'New Silk Way' initiative, successfully held the Ministerial Conference of the Istanbul Process, provided humanitarian and technical assistance to Afghanistan, and we provide logistical support to US efforts on transit both to Afghanistan and the opposite direction," he said.
In turn, Chuck Hagel praised the comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States and expressed gratitude to the leadership of the country for efforts towards Afghanistan's restoration.
"President Obama highly appreciates Kazakhstan and understands the important role of this country," he said.
According to Deputy Adviser on National Security Antony Blinken, the U.S. has established 'deep and extensive relationships' with Kazakhstan and Washington adheres to further strengthening of the bilateral partnership.
Idrisov's meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman mulled the supply of certain types of food production in Kazakhstan, cooperation on the implementation of the Framework Agreement on Trade and Investment, as well as the country's entry into the World Trade Organisation.
Idrisov said that Kazakhstan had done much work to meet all the standards of the World Trade Organisation and hopes for an early accession to this organization.
During the visit, the Kazakh minister also met with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, vice president of the World Bank Laura Frigenti, as well as spoke at a round table on 'Current condition and priorities of foreign policy of Kazakhstan' which was organised by the think tank US Atlantic Council.