Post #24522

🇺🇸🇰🇿⚡- After the signing of the major rare earth metals agreement between the US and Kazakhstan earlier today, the US Embassy in Astana have said Washington intends to strengthen defense cooperation with Kazakhstan, to help reduce their reliance and the influence of Russia and China. The US Embassy said it seeks to upgrade US-Kazakhstan defense cooperation and relations, helping transform the country into a reliable partner in the Central Asia region. The US Embassy also said it wants to strengthen Kazakhstan's sovereignty, which is achieved by diversifying its economy. According to the US, Astana's exports currently rely mainly on transport routes through Russia, Washington is exploring alternative possible routes for the country. According to the US Embassy, almost half of the minerals recognized as critically important for US national security are located in Kazakhstan. The Embassy aims to increase investment in Kazakhstan, "so that they can displace growing Chinese investments in Central Asia."