The Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan hosted a meeting with a U.S. Department of State delegation under the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program.

The Kazakhstani side was represented by Michael Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK), and Zhanibek Sharipbayev, Executive Director for Aviation Security. The U.S. delegation was led by Shawna J. Wilson Deputy Assistant Secretary for Security Assistance Programs Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation , alongside officials from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The meeting reviewed the results of joint cooperation between the AAK, the EXBS Program, and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The Kazakhstani delegation highlighted the importance of American support, including specialized equipment deliveries, expert visits, and joint training events. The AAK also reported on the successful hosting of ICAO Aviation Security Week in Astana, which gathered over 1,000 participants from 64 countries.

Preparations for establishing direct air service between Kazakhstan and the United States were a key agenda item. Both sides exchanged views on necessary security measures, specifically addressing air cargo security protocols and the training of screening inspectors.

The delegations also addressed emerging civil aviation threats, including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), cyberattacks, and operational flight risks near conflict zones. U.S. officials acknowledged the participation of Kazakhstani specialists in a late-September seminar on anti-drone technologies and critical infrastructure protection, underscoring the need for clear interagency jurisdictional boundaries.

Additionally, the sides discussed expanding interagency cooperation across export control, border security, and customs operations, with the AAK offering to host a joint interagency conference. The U.S. side confirmed its commitment to providing ongoing technical assistance, including personnel training for equipment maintenance and repair.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of Kazakhstan and the United States to deepening aviation security cooperation, fostering institutional trust, and establishing conditions for safe and efficient international air travel.