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The discussion focused on topical issues of Russian-Kyrgyz strategic partnership – specifically, cooperation in trade and the economy.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, I am very glad to see you.

We had to postpone your visit due to the problems caused by the pandemic. However, our work continues, and life goes on as well. Just recently, in September, a fully-fledged meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation took place in Bishkek.

I am very glad to have this opportunity to meet with you. First of all, I would like to say that last year, Russia and Kyrgyzstan enjoyed a significant increase in trade. Kyrgyzstan’s imports, which are, respectively, our exports, went up by over 25 percent. This is a very good result.

Clearly, there have been certain changes due to the current circumstances; however, we are confidently moving in the right direction. As per your request, we have increased our supplies of wheat. Overall, our agricultural exports are growing. We can confirm substantial progress in this area.

We will be able to discuss all the other issues at length today.

We both are actively involved in the activity of our regional international organisations. And I am very glad to have this opportunity to meet with you and talk about the situation in the region as well as about our bilateral cooperation.

You know that we consistently support your efforts, the Kyrgyz leadership’s efforts with respect to internal political stability in the country. We really hope that this work will continue thanks to your efforts. On our part, we will do everything to support you as the head of state and to support Kyrgyzstan and the people of Kyrgyzstan in achieving the major goals that you set for the country’s development.

Once again, welcome. I am delighted to see you.

President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov: Mr President,

I am pleased to meet with you. Although you are busy, you can always find time for Kyrgyzstan. This shows a lot of support for our country, both politically and economically. Russia has always offered us consistent support. This is your personal merit, because you are a sincere, great friend of Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz nation knows, remembers and appreciates that. On behalf of the Kyrgyz people and myself, I would like to express my gratitude for this support.

Kyrgyzstan has always considered Russia to be a true friend, ally and strategic partner. We have seen this clearly during this difficult time. Thanks to you, we have managed to stabilise the epidemiological situation in Kyrgyzstan, and thanks to you, we have provided support for our citizens living in Russia.

Let me once again congratulate you on registering the first coronavirus vaccine. The entire world has been waiting for this day, and we were very happy to hear this news from you. We hope the Russian vaccine will be available to the people of Kyrgyzstan.

I greatly appreciate that the Eurasian Fund for Stabilisation and Development has provided the largest loan, $100 million, which is significant support for our economy. Both Gazprom and the Kyrgyz-Russian Foundation make their contribution to the development of small and medium-sized businesses.

Thanks to Russia, we are already completing the upgrade of our checkpoints. Thanks to Russia and thanks to you, we have already started marking and monitoring goods in Kyrgyzstan and launched the tax inspection information system.

You mentioned that the Intergovernmental Commission held its 22^nd meeting yesterday. This was a very fruitful event, its participants did a really good job, and I had a meeting with Mr Overchuk [the Russian co-chair of the Intergovernmental Commission Alexei Overchuk].

Of course, the people of Kyrgyzstan have high expectations regarding our meeting. As you are aware, with the approach of a parliamentary election, all kinds of forces opposing stability and national development have been stepping up their activities. They are even trying to encroach on Kyrgyzstan’s sovereignty, and drive a wedge into our allied relationship and strategic partnership. Of course, we will not let them do this, and anyway they would never succeed, since Russia’s backing is essential for us. I would like to thank you for this assistance. We have always treasured our historical, time-tested relationship.

Thank you for your warm hospitality and for the opportunity to discuss topical matters with you.

Vladimir Putin: Mr President, as you know, Russia never interferes in the domestic affairs of its neighbours or any other countries. Nevertheless, we always support efforts to stabilise the situation and promote inclusive dialogue with all political forces. We invariably support the existing government in its efforts to bring about calm, and will stick to this line in our relations with Kyrgyzstan, including by providing economic support.

At every meeting you raise the question of supporting Kyrgyzstan’s nationals working in Russia. On this topic, we have taken a number of specific decisions. Everything points to the fact that we will keep returning to this question and will go to great lengths to deliver on matters you will raise at today’s meeting.

I am really delighted to see you. Once again, welcome!

Over a working lunch we will have an opportunity to calmly discuss almost all matters you will deem important for today’s conversation.

I am aware that you are planning a working trip to European countries, and would like to wish you every success in this undertaking.

Sooronbay Jeenbekov: Thank you.

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