Defense and military issues In the framework of the IPAP, Kazakhstan concentrates attention at political-military cooperation in the sphere of defense and security, primarily on its practical and applied aspects. Such a co-operation should help Kazakhstan to implement different aspects of defense reform, improving interoperability with NATO forces, as well as enhancing interaction in the field of border security.
Civil emergency planning Kazakhstan is improving its emergency preparedness and response capabilities to deal with disasters and asymmetric threats. Kazakhstan intends to enhance its own capabilities and enhance links with NATO's EADRCC in order to contribute to international disaster relief operations.
Science and Environment Security Kazakhstan contributes to the security and ecological cooperation in the Central Asian region through its participation in the NATO Science for Peace and Security Program (SPS).
Counterterrorism Kazakhstan will continue cooperation with organizations, programs and initiatives aimed against proliferation of WMD, international terrorism, religious extremism, trafficking in human beings and illegal drug trafficking.

Ministry of Defense conducts intensive reforms in the Armed Forces and implements appropriate administrative measures. Comprehensive cooperation with NATO within the framework of the signed agreements is one of the important elements of these work.

Nowadays no country in the world can struggle with new challenges and threats on its own, especially regarding international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, environmental problems, interaction in the prevention of emergency situations, etc. In this connection our high priority is to improve combat training level and operational interoperability of our own armed forces with NATO troops through participation in joint programs and projects.

The Ministry of Defense enhances its cooperation with NATO on a step-by-step basis.

PEACEKEEPING

- KAZBAT peacekeeping battalion fully trained and equipped to meet NATO standards and joined UN stand-by forces

- KAZBRIG peacekeeping brigade was established on the basis of KAZBAT

- KAZBAT's Engineering Unit in Iraq trains both Iraqis and the Coalition soldiers in EOD.

In July, 2003 the Ministry of Defense signed the Memorandum of understanding with NATO Maintenance and Supply Organization (NAMSO) on logistic support cooperation. The priority tasks directed on implementation of the Memorandum are determined: disposal of small arms and ammunition, utilization of rocket fuel components, clearance and rehabilitation of areas with unexploded ammunition.

Kazakhstan contributes to the regional PFP cooperation

Kazakhstan plans to establish a PfP Training Center at the Defense Foreign Languages Institute with broad spectrum of training issues.

The Concept of PfP Training Center was approved in May 2006. The work on development of training programs is being conducted together with Allied Command Transformation.

Annual Exercise “Steppe Eagle” has been conducted since 2003. This exercise is aimed at achievement of interoperability with NATO units in Peace Support Operation scenario.

“Steppe Eagle” allows us to achieve common approach in planning, organization and conducting special military operations, to increase the level of performance of coalition forces.

In the year of 2006 the exercise was visited by Special Representative of NATO Secretary General in Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons.

Currently along with NATO ACO the implementation of one of the initiatives of the Ministry of Defence – conducting exercise “Steppe Eagle” under the aegis of PFP – has been commenced.