Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff meets with Kazakhstan Navy officials at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Astana, Kazakhstan [Image 3 of 7]

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN

06.11.2008

Photo by Lydia Robertson 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, meets with the deputy minister of defense, General Lieutenant Bolat Sembinov; Rear Adm. Ratmir Komrotov, Commander, Regional Command West; and Captain Ablai Lekerov, acting commander, Kazakhstan Navy at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 11. They discussed on going initiatives to build information to improve regional and maritime security. Maritime forces are important because of their role in safeguarding maritime infrastructure, which contributes considerably to prosperity at the country and regional level, as well as the global market. One element of maritime security is Maritime Infrastructure Protection, which includes safety of energy plants and oil platforms.This is complemented by border security -- counter smuggling and counter narcotic efforts, among others. Cosgriff was updated on local initiatives to develop enhanced capabilities in regional forces, including navies, coast guards and border security agencies. He discussed efforts and experience of coalition and Fifth Fleet Forces that could provide valuable information and lessons learned as the countries further develop capabilities in their maritime and security forces. During his regional visit, Vice Adm. Cosgriff spoke at Pakistan's War College in Lahore and visited military and security leaders in Baku, Azerbaijan; Astana, Kazakhstan; and Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. In Astana, Kazakhstan Vice Adm. Cosgriff met with the deputy director, border guard, National Security Committee, General Lieutenant Hussain Berkaliyev, June 11.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2008
• Date Posted: 06.16.2008 12:18
• Photo ID: 94803
• VIRIN: 089610-N-9211R-003
• Resolution: 2100x1500
• Size: 515.52 KB
• Location: ASTANA, KZ