China continues strengthening military relations with Kazakhstan

China's Minister of Defense Chang Wanquan has arrived to Kazakhstan on an official visit, Tengrinews reports citing Akorda.

Minister Chang Wanquan met with the Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan Imangali Tasmagambetov. As a result of the meeting, the Ministers signed an agreement on China's free of charge technical assistance to the Kazakhstan's Army.

As an expression of gratitude, Tasmagambetov invited Chang Wanquan to take part in the International Military Exhibition KADEX-2016 to showcase the country's technical capabilities. "I hope that the China's military-industrial complex will be presented on a high level. It will give additional boost to our military and technical cooperation," Tasmagambetov said.

Based on the signed agreement, China will provide bolster-type tractors with trawls and loading-unloading platforms for the Army of Kazakhstan. In addition to the aid in vehicles, China and Kazakhstan aim to cooperate for training purposes of special forces against terrorist threat.

Kazakhstan and Chine will conduct training activities for special units in various areas including mountainous terrains. The countries also plan to organize anti-terrorist drills for their military.  

Minister Chang Wanquan also met with President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana. Nazarbayev congratulated the Minister on the success of the Military Parade in Beijing, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory Day. President of Kazakhstan stressed that the Chinese army showcased its power and technical capacities at the event very well.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between Kazakhstan and China.  

According to President Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan highly values China's security guarantees in regards to the Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty in Central Asia.

In turn, Minister Chang Wanquan thanked Nazarbayev for the meeting and extended greetings from  Xi Jinping, the president of the People's Republic of China. The Chinese Minister spoke highly of Nazarbayev's contribution into molding the modern image of Kazakhstan.

"We consider you a great politician and visionary. You have contributed immensely in the development of Kazakhstan. You also have a great authority among the general population," the Chinese Minister of Defense said.

Chang Wanquan's official visit to Kazakhstan contributes to the already existing relations between the countries in military and technical sectors. Moreover, the countries continue to cooperate in military education. As of today, a number of Kazakhstani military personnel are training at educational facilities and leading military academies in China.   

By Gyuzel Kamalova