Koehler was welcomed in Almaty by NOC KAZ secretary general Daniyar Abulgazin, along with representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the head of the national anti-doping organisation KAZ-NADO.

Officials from Kazakhstan's anti-doping laboratory, as well as members of Kazakhstan's Independent Anti-Doping Commission and athletes were among those present for the visit.

The aim of the meeting was for WADA to provide assistance in problem solving and find appropriate and effective ways to improve the anti-doping programme of the country, to help Kazakhstan meet accepted international rules and standards.

“In order for this to happen we need to ensure the effective implementation and use of best practices in the fight against doping among all our partners, both locally and around the world,” said Koehler.

“I am sure that results of the meeting with Kazakhstani partners and open dialogue between the parties will be reflected in the implementation of more comprehensive anti-doping programme in Kazakhstan, which will serve as the success of our mission not only in the Central Asian region, but also on a global scale.

“It will be extremely important for the KAZ-NADO to have full autonomy and at the same time work in partnership with stakeholders to protect the rights of the clean athlete.”

It is hope that by coordinating all stakeholders of Kazakhstan's anti-doping movement, it will help to develop a consistent approach in the fight against doping in sport, which would aid the protection of clean athletes.

Experts have already begun a review of Kazakhstan’s anti-doping programme, while discussions over the structure of their national anti-doping centre and anti-doping rules.

Procedures for investigating possible cases of doping and Kazakhstan’s educational programmes were also areas being reviewed.

“The meetings have been very beneficial as they allowed us to identify several critical issues of NADO organizational process that will require careful attention,” said Andrey Kryukov, WADA Foundation Board member and the vice-president of the NOC KAZ.

“And most importantly, we have discussed alternative methods of improvement immediately, because on one hand, we hear WADA opinion and receive its guidance on a particular issue, on the other hand, we get the feedback from the parties involved in to the Kazakhstani anti-doping movement”.