(Kazakhstan today) - John Abizaid, Head of the US Central Command, has stated that the United States is going to reduce its military presence in the Central Asian region, Kazakhstan Today correspondent reports.
"The level of our co-operation will be growing, but the US military presence will decrease. We have a very good co-operation agreement with Kazakhstan, but is concerns education," - Mr. Abizaid has said at a press conference in Astana, reports Trend.
Mr. Abizaid has also denied rumours about a supposed US interest in creation of a Navy base on the Caspian in Aktau. "The USA does not have intentions to build military bases," - he has stated.
Moreover, he has stressed that the United States considers provision of security in Central Asia and on the Caspian Sea important. "Forces providing security in the region must be professional, especially in relation with the fact that there are many threats in the region. In the first place, these are the threats related with terrorism, drugs, and a consequent growth of crime. Provision of security in the Caspian region, including protection of the petroleum infrastructure is also important," - Mr. Abizaid believes.
At the same time the Head of the US Central Command has observed that Kazakhstani military forces have quite a high level of military qualification. "The USA is happy about the progress in this area, the growing professionalism of the Kazakhstani army, officers in the first place, and Kazbat activities," - he has said.