28 May 2019 12:15

Kazakhstan, UN to discuss sending Kazakh peacekeepers to Asia, Africa - defense minister

NUR-SULTAN. May 28 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan will hold talks with the United Nations to discuss the possibility of dispatching Kazakh peacekeepers to countries of Asia and Africa, Kazakh Defense Minister Nurlan Yermekbayev told reporters in Nur-Sultan on Tuesday.

"Many countries need peacekeepers. However, their actual dispatch is decided through talks. In the near future, we will discuss this with representatives of the UN headquarters and senior officials. Essentially, these are countries of Asia and Africa," Yermekbayev said.

Kazakh peacekeepers are currently undergoing training in medicine, reconnaissance, engineering, and police operations, he said.

"Such specialists are in demand today. Technologies are needed, as well. For example, there is a need for helicopters, night-vision devices, and other types of transport. The UN is interested in leasing and using such equipment," Yermekbayev said.

Nur-Sultan is hosting the 5th UN International Partnership for Technology in Peacekeeping Symposium on Tuesday.