He expressed his pleasure at being in friendly Kyrgyzstan and emphasized that the visit is taking place ahead of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Council.
Putin highly appreciated Kyrgyzstan's contribution to organizations, noting that in 2026, Russia will take over the chairmanship after the current term in the republic concludes.
The relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan are developing based on mutual respect and consideration of interests, said Putin. He added that key issues of bilateral cooperation are under constant control.
Speaking about trade and economic ties, Putin emphasized that Russia is the leading partner of Kyrgyzstan. Last year, trade turnover increased by 13.6%, reaching a record 4.1 billion dollars, and since the beginning of 2023, there has been a 17% growth. Notably, about 97% of all payments are made in national currencies, and new settlement mechanisms are being considered. The volume of investments is also increasing and has reached nearly 2 billion dollars, with 1,700 enterprises with Russian participation operating in the republic.
Putin noted that the trust from Russian investors is linked to the efforts of the Kyrgyz side and stable domestic politics, which is an important condition for the further development of economic ties.The intergovernmental commission is actively working on the implementation of comprehensive programs for 2022-2026. Major Russian oil and gas companies supply Kyrgyzstan with natural gas and petroleum products, and there are significant prospects for expanding cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy, solar and wind energy, digital economy, and transport logistics.
Putin also highly appreciated the attention of the Kyrgyz leadership to supporting the Russian language, which is official in the republic. In 2023, the construction of nine schools will begin, three of which are planned to be opened by September 1, 2027. As part of the "Russian Teacher Abroad" program, 157 teachers are working in 42 schools in Kyrgyzstan.Security issues are also in focus: the Russian military base located in the republic plays a key role in ensuring stability in the region, Putin emphasized in his conversation with Japarov.
