Kazakhstan Delivers 5 Million Rounds Of Small Arms And Ammunition To Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan has delivered 5 million rounds of small arms and ammunition to Kyrgyzstan within a framework of providing military and technical assistance.

"Agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on the provision of free military and technical assistance was signed in Astana on June 24, 2015 by the Defense Ministers of two states in order to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic," the representative of Kazakhstan's military department, Lieutenant Colonel Murat Kanabekov was quoted as saying by Kazinform agency Thursday.

According to the document, Kazakhstan transfers to Kyrgyzstan free of charge 5 million rounds of small arms ammunition, smoke grenades and bombs, as well as spare parts for air-defense missile systems S-75M3. 

"I would like to thank the Kazakh side. This assistance will replenish the existing shortage of ammunition that will strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic to repel military threats and strengthen the security of Central Asia," the Head of Missile and Artillery Department of the State Committee for the Defense of Kyrgyzstan Colonel Medetbek Sultanbekov said.

Recall, this is not the first agreement for the provision of free military and technical assistance concluded between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. In 1999, the Republic of Kazakhstan has sent to the Kyrgyz Republic military equipment, communications equipment and ammunition for artillery and aviation units to eliminate militant gangs, invaded Kyrgyzstan. In 2011, Kazakhstan has reportedly sent to the republic armored vehicles and small arms.