Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is taking advantage of his time outside of the Senate to pay official visits to two central Asian countries and one in Europe.

Reid is visiting Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, two republics that were part of the Soviet Union, and will also make a stop in Germany. The Majority Leader is accompanied by Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and a lone Republican, Sen. Johnny Isakson (Ga.).

Reid met with political leaders in the two Asian countries and also visited U.S. military bases. He focused on U.S. diplomatic and military ties with Kyrgyzstan, thanking the government for its support in Afghanistan, but also pressing for an open society.

“Kyrgyzstan has made tremendous progress as a developing democracy. What we have seen here has been very impressive, but there is more to do to strengthen this democracy and ensure that it is long-lasting,” Reid said.