Azerbaijan, Baku, April 5 / Trend S. Suleymanov /
The United States has no plans to open military bases in Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan, the commander of U.S. Central Command, Gen. David Petraeus told media at a press conference in Astana today.
"With regard to opening a U.S. military base in Kazakhstan, my answer to this question is "No". All the activities, scheduled between the military establishments of both countries, are held regardless of the availability of financing, as well as within "Partnership for Peace" program, David Petraeus said.
U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Richard Hoagland who took part in a press conference, said that the United States do not have and did not have any plans to open a military base in Kazakhstan. The issue was not discussed at a meeting held in Astana today.
The commander of U.S. Central Command David Petraeus negatively answered a question if there are plans to open a military base in Uzbekistan.
"Uzbekistan has always played an important role in the transit via the Northern route. All roads ran through the territory of this republic. It is important to ensure the maximal number of routes to Afghanistan as far as our presence in Afghanistan and contingent of our NATO partners increase," U.S general said.
He said that he visits the Central Asian countries every six months to discuss prospects for cooperation and implementation of reached agreements.
"This is my third visit to Kazakhstan over the past 16 months," he said.