The Afghan View from Kazakhstan

The development of the Northern Distribution Network (NDN) as a supply route to Afghanistan through Russia and Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, has played a vital role in sustaining ISAF's operations in Afghanistan. Kazakhstan was instrumental in opening up the NDN and providing other transit possibilities. The NDN has stimulated regional cooperation and will leave behind an important basis for future trade links between South and Central Asia. We support the further expansion of this route, including new interconnections and the harmonization of a regional transportation network for future trade of civilian goods. Restoring Afghanistan's links with the outside world to ensure that it benefits from regional economic growth is an important priority.