Russia, Kyrgyzstan agree to boost bilateral ties

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his visiting Kyrgyz counterpart Almazbek Atambayev agreed to develop bilateral relations, the Kremlin said Tuesday.

"We coordinated new large-scale tasks on developing bilateral relations, which are reflected in the just-signed Declaration on Strengthening the Alliance and Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic," Putin told a news conference, according to a Kremlin statement.

Putin said the declaration and other documents signed during Atambayev's visit to Moscow will help promote Russian-Kyrgyz cooperation in various areas.

"In the past 25 years, relations between our countries developed in all areas based on mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests and have reached the level of strategic partnership," Putin said.

He added that Moscow continues to help the economy of the central Asian republic, adding: "Russia annually provides $30 million to support the state budget of Kyrgyzstan."

Putin said the two countries also agreed to continue "closely" coordinate efforts to combat terrorism and the spread of extremist ideology.

Atambayev said relations have undergone a "profound" transformation, adding: "We have managed to raise relations to the level of strategic partnership."

"I cannot imagine the future of Kyrgyzstan without Russia," he added.