Representatives of Kyrgyzstan have held discussions in Bishkek with the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Nick Harvey over the possibility of development of the northern route of delivery of military equipment to Afghanistan and back, the Kyrgyz Defence Ministry told a correspondent of the ITAR-TASS news agency
The question of the development of the northern route of delivery of military equipment, mainly through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as outlined in the draft agreement on the transit between the UK and Kyrgyzstan is to ensure the transit of military equipment and personnel through the territory of the republic to Afghanistan and is currently under consideration by Kyrgyz side, the ministry's press-service said. They also stressed Mr Harvey's visit aims to 'familiarise himself with the region, establish personal contacts and discuss issues of mutual cooperation in military matters'.
'During the bilateral meetings, the Minister of State informed the leaders of Kyrgyzstan about the policy being carried out by the United Kingdom in Afghanistan. This includes a plan to transfer critical security functions to Afghan security forces, as well as guidance on the UK's future intentions after the cessation of military operations in Afghanistan in 2014', the press-service said.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry of Kyrgyzstan told ITAR-TASS correspondents that Harvey also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Dinara Kemelova in Bishkek.
'During their meeting they discussed issues of international and regional security and in particular, the situation in Afghanistan. They reached an agreement to intensify bilateral cooperation in many areas', the press-service noted. Kemelova noted the importance of promoting projects with the participation of Kyrgyzstan in the reconstruction and development of neighbouring Afghanistan and also marked the "ways of providing assistance from the UK to ensure regional security".