Kazakhstan Foreign Minister meets U.S. Defense Secretary

Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Yerlan Idrissov has met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel during his official visit to Washington, RTTNews reports citing Pentagon's press-release. Hagel thanked Kazakhstan for its support to the international coalition forces in Afghanistan and help in development of the Northern Distribution Network, the logistical system that connects Baltic and Caspian ports with Afghanistan via Russia, Central Asia and Caucasus. "Secretary Hagel reiterated the Defense Department's willingness to continue working with Kazakhstan to further develop the bilateral relationship in security enhancement. He also reaffirmed the United States' enduring commitment to maintaining security in Afghanistan and the region beyond 2014," Pentagon’s press-secretary George Little said. The visit of Kazakhstan Foreign Minister to Washington started on July 8. On July 9 Kazakhstan and the U.S. exchanged notes on agreement for Kazakhstan citizens to obtain 5-year U.S. visas. Americans will also be able to obtain 5-year Kazakhstan visas starting from August 1, 2013.