NATO Liaison Officer in Central Asia visits Kyrgyzstan
NATO Liaison Officer in Central Asia Alexander Vinnikov visited Kyrgyzstan from 9 to 11 July. It was the fourth visit to the country since his appointment in 2013.
NATO Liaison Officer in Central Asia Alexander Vinnikov (left) with Deputy Rector of the Kyrgyzstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Diplomatic Academy, Dr Prof Kairat Osmonaliev
During his visit Mr Vinnikov met with senior representatives of Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Diplomatic Academy to review bilateral NATO-Kyrgyzstan dialogue and cooperation. The sides discussed ongoing and planned activities implemented under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme, as well as the situation and prospects in Afghanistan.
Mr Vinnikov also held talks with implementing partners of the NATO-Kyrgyzstan resettlement and retraining programme for released military personnel. Launched in 2009, this programme has trained around 500 security sector personnel in English, IT and management skills to help them adapt to employment in civilian life. The NATO-funded programme is currently implemented in the cities of Bishkek and Osh and, with strong support from the Kyrgyzstan authorities, is soon to be expanded to Karakol.
While in Bishkek, the NATO Liaison Officer attended a regional workshop on “Engaging the Media in Countering Terrorism in Central Asia”, organised by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia.
Mr Vinnikov also met with resident NATO Ambassadors and with representatives of other international organisations accredited in Kyrgyzstan.
English language version:
http://www.akipress.com/news:544511
Russian language version (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_111736.htm?selectedLocale=ru):
http://www.vb.kg/doc/280090_zamministra_oborony_poblagodaril_nato_za_podderjky.html
http://www.gazeta.kg/news/kyrgyzstan/policy/5009-pervyy-zamministra-oborony-kyrgyzstana-prinyal-oficera-svyazi-nato.html