Kazakhstan (Nov. 19, 2010) — On November 17-18, 2010, General James Mattis, Commander of the United States Central Command, visited Astana, Kazakhstan.
This is General Mattis’ first trip to Kazakhstan since coming to Central Command in August. During his visit, General Mattis met with Kazakhstani government officials and military officers to listen to their views and gain their perspectives on security issues. The two sides continued the strong strategic partnership that exists between Kazakhstan and the United States.
General Mattis expressed his appreciation for the work Kazakhstan is doing to support coalition efforts in Afghanistan and discussed ways in which the two nations can cooperate more closely.
As Commander of the United States Central Command, General Mattis has overall responsibility for U.S. military activities in twenty countries, including Kazakhstan, Iraq and Afghanistan.