President Petr Poroshenko of Ukraine urges Kazakhstan to strengthen its national security

President Petr Poroshenko of Ukraine has urged Kazakhstan to strengthen its national security. He made the statement at a press-conference in Kiev.

“You are a president of a nation that for the first time in its 23 years since gaining independence has lost part of its territory. What measures would you recommend for other post-Soviet states, including Kazakhstan, to avoid similar scenarios?”, was one of the questions he was asked at the press-conference.

The Ukrainian leader believes there are certain threats to security of both Kazakhstan and Belarus. “I believe it important for residents of Kazakhstan and Belarus to come up with reliable mechanisms to ensure security and safety to meet challenges that have arisen lately. I am confident the Collective Security Treaty Organization mechanisms do not offer any effective solutions to these risks and threats”, Mr. Poroshenko said.

He was also asked about possible economic sanctions against Kazakhstan and Belarus given their cooperation with Russia. “I want to express my gratitude to Kazakhstan and Belarus for their firm and consistent stance on the Ukraine’s policy and their respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”, he said.