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President Akayev visited Russia from September 20 to 24, 2003.

President Putin and President Akayev discussed a wide range of Russian-Kyrgyz relations, including in the trade, economic, military and cultural fields, and also exchanged opinions on current international issues of mutual interest.

With Mr Putin and Mr Akayev looking on, Defence Ministers Sergei Ivanov and Esen Topoyev signed an agreement on the status and terms of stationing of a Russian air base in Kyrgyzstan.

Mr Akayev said that the signing of the agreement was evidence of Russia’s large role in ensuring stability and security not only in Kyrgyzstan, but also in the whole of Central Asia, which has faced new threats and challenges in recent years.

The Russian airbase in the Kyrgyz town of Kant will function as part of a Collective Rapid Reaction Force of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation. In Kant, Russia will permanently deploy several Su and MiG fighter planes and military transport aircraft. Kyrgyzstan, in turn, will supply L-39 Albatros trainer fighters, helicopters and military transport planes to deal with armed groups of international terrorists should they invade one of the CSTO countries.