Azernews.Az

Issues of bilateral cooperation and the international agenda was the main topic of meetings of Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrisov during his official visit to the US on July 8-10.

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry reported that during the visit Idrisov met with US Defence Minister Chuck Hagel, Energy Minister Ernest Moniz, National Security Advisor Susan Rice, Deputy National Security Advisor and Assistant to the President Antony Blinken, Trade Representative Michael Frohmann and Deputy Secretary of State William Burns.

During the negotiations the parties stressed that the bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and the United States are strong and growing and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening of the strategic partnership.

Following the second session of the Kazakh-American Commission on the Strategic Partnership the parties issued a joint statement.

The statement reads that the US welcomes Kazakhstan's leadership role in ensuring security in Afghanistan and the whole region including support to the Afghan national security forces and the contribution of the Istanbul process.

'Kazakhstan and the United States will continue to work closely to maintain stability, peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and the region', the statement said.

Kazakhstan and the United States reaffirmed the commitment to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

'Reducing the threat and non-proliferation remain the cornerstone in our joint efforts to ensure global and regional security', the parties said.

The US also supported Kazakhstan's efforts to establish a regional training centre for nuclear safety and Kazakhstan's proposal to create an IAEA bank of low-enriched uranium on its territory.

Kazakhstan and the U.S. reaffirmed commitment to the on-going cooperation to support stability in the region, including joint efforts to counter terrorism.

The parties also noted the importance of democratic development and efforts to strengthen the civilian institutions, such as independent media and local government.

Moreover, the US supported Kazakhstan's intention to join the WTO and promised to continue to work with Kazakhstan to hasten the process of its accession to the organisation.

In particular, Kazakhstan and US will work together to support the diversification of the non-oil sector in Kazakhstan and expand its role in global energy security. The parties agreed to organise a US trade and investment mission to Kazakhstan in the near future.
Kazakhstan and the US also reaffirm their commitment to strengthening of scientific and technological cooperation between scientists, engineers and students in the framework of the Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

'The United States welcomes Kazakhstan's initiative in the field of climate change, such as the 'Green Bridge' and 'EXPO - 2017: Energy for the future' and appreciates Kazakhstan's readiness to act as host at the headquarters of the International Science and Technology Centre," the statement reads.