Vladimir Putin: "Kyrgyzstan is our reliable partner"
Vladimir Putin, while discussing the most pressing issues of Russian-Kyrgyz cooperation, emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is a reliable strategic partner of Russia.
– There is no need to talk about the nature of our relations: Kyrgyzstan is our reliable partner, with whom we have truly strategic relations. After joining the Eurasian Economic Union, opportunities for cooperation are increasing. I hope this will be reflected not only in the indicators but also in real life, in the development of our economies and social sphere, – said the President of Russia.
According to him, Russia remains a key trade and economic partner for Kyrgyzstan. And although the trade turnover between the Kyrgyz Republic and Russia has slightly decreased due to fluctuations in the ruble exchange rate, the Russian side will do everything to diversify relations with Kyrgyzstan.
– Russia remains the main, primary trade and economic partner for Kyrgyzstan. Yes, we are observing, of course, in connection with the well-known events – primarily related to exchange rate fluctuations – a slight decrease in trade turnover. Nevertheless, we occupy a stable first place – over 27 percent, – explained Putin. – We will strive, as we agreed, to diversify our relations, and for this, in my opinion, there are all grounds, all grounds to think exactly like that.
For his part, Almazbek Atambayev thanked Vladimir Putin for the fact that Russia has always been a reliable economic partner for Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz leader particularly emphasized that the most important thing for Kyrgyzstan is to remain a strategic partner of the Russian Federation.
– I am glad to have the opportunity to once again discuss all the pressing issues that exist between our countries, because we have not only large economic turnover and so on between our countries. We are primarily strategic partners, and I hope this will always be the case in the future; this is the main thing for us, the main strategic partner, – stated Atambayev.
Regarding what Kyrgyzstan can offer Russia, IA reported Nikita Mendkovich, an economist and chairman of the Eurasian Economic Analytical Club.
– Now Russia is reorienting itself towards import substitution in the food sector, and those goods that it does not produce itself will be preferred to be purchased from allies rather than from traditional Western suppliers. Kyrgyzstan can offer a number of crops on the Russian and allied markets: rice, tobacco, cotton, vegetables, fruits, etc. The bean market is also promising, where Turkey is too widely present, which does not meet the interests of the Russian Federation under the new political conditions. Finally, milk and meat from the Kyrgyz Republic would also be welcome. The EAEU is undoubtedly interested in the supply of agricultural products. The Eurasian Development Bank has allocated 25 million dollars for the creation of a network of procurement centers in Kyrgyzstan that could work with farming enterprises. Therefore, the Kyrgyz Republic has every chance to enter the external market, and it would be a shame not to take advantage of these opportunities, – expressed the expert's point of view.
