A solemn ceremony dedicated to the withdrawal of CSTO peacekeeping forces from the territory of Kazakhstan was held in the Kazakh city of Almaty. This was reported by the local website Informburo on Thursday, January 13.
The ceremony was organized on the basis of the Sagadat Nurmagambetov Military Institute of Ground Forces. It began with the formation of troops of the incoming CSTO forces.
During his speech, the head of the CSTO, Belarusian General Stanislav Zas, conveyed words of gratitude to the military from the President of Kazakhstan.
"Yesterday, I met with the President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokaev. He asked on his behalf to express the warmest words of gratitude to all peacekeepers, all units for the honestly performed military duty and assistance to Kazakhstan," he said.
Mayor of Almaty Bakytzhan Sagintaev said that the peacekeepers were engaged in the protection of important state and strategic objects, helped in maintaining law and order in fixed areas. This played a major role in stabilizing the situation in Almaty.
"For these days, the peacekeepers have done a colossal job of protecting and defending important state and strategic objects and maintaining law and order. Today, these "black" days are behind us. We look ahead with confidence. Restoration work is underway, we will work to make our city look even better," said the city's mayor.
