USA has no imperialistic ambitions in Central Asia: Hoagland

The USA had declared it has no imperialistic ambitions in Central Asia, a Tengrinews correspondent reports citing Richard E. Hoagland, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, who spoke at a briefing in Astana on October 27.

Hoagland reminded that the United States were going to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. However, he said that America, as well as other international partners, had no intention of abandoning the country on its own altogether.

“Allow me to be very clear: this does not mean that we are looking to create a military base or another form of military presence in this region,” he said.

“We have strong ties with all the countries of the region but it does not mean that we have any military or imperialistic ambitions regarding the countries of this region,” Hoagland declared.

At the briefing Hoagland also mentioned that he was to meet high-ranking officials of Kazakhstan, stressing the importance of partnership with this country. In addition, the ex-ambassador to Kazakhstan (2008-2011) said that the sanctions against Russia would have no impact on the Central Asian nation.

In March this year President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev met with American President Barack Obama. Apart from other topics, the two discussed security issues and disarmament, when Obama recognized Kazakhstan’s contribution to stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan.

By Dinara Urazova