"At the inaugural Board of Peace summit on February 19, Kazakhstan promised substantial funding to be administered through the World Bank's Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund. It also said it would deploy troops to an International Stabilization Force (ISF), including security personnel and a field hospital staffed by military medical experts. By doing so, Kazakhstan joins a small group of countries such as Indonesia, Kosovo, and Albania, that have publicly promised peacekeepers."
"Former Kazakh diplomat Dulat Baqyshev told RFE/RL that both nations were investing in the relationship with Washington -- and aiming for a concrete return on their money. "Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan need US support. It's been 35 years since our independence. Had any US president visited our region? No," he said. Since achieving independence in 1991, the countries of Central Asia have sought to balance out diplomatic and economic influence from China and Russia."
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan pledged cash, reconstruction aid, and possible troop deployments for Gaza. The move follows a November 5+1 Washington meeting where Central Asian nations agreed trade, diplomatic, and mineral deals. At the Board of Peace summit on February 19, Kazakhstan pledged funding through the World Bank Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund and offered troops, security personnel, and a field hospital for an International Stabilization Force (ISF). Uzbekistan emphasized plans to redevelop a Gaza territory. Leaders presented the pledges as investments in closer ties with the United States and to balance Chinese and Russian influence. Commitments remain promises that may not be delivered.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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