Official website of the President of Russia

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President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmabek Bakiyev: Good morning,

I would like to thank you once again for accepting the invitation to attend the informal [CSTO] summit.

Yesterday we had a detailed discussion. I think all of our colleagues will make the appropriate conclusions for improving and engaging in more effective cooperation within the CSTO. Time itself is pushing us in this direction.

And of course I would like to thank everyone who took part in the summit. I also wish that you could stay longer, for at least another couple of days, especially since you are here for the first time.

President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Yes, I am actually here for the first time.

Once again, Mr President, I would like to congratulate you on your birthday. You have had a working birthday but nevertheless it took place in a friendly atmosphere, as media used to write.

We met yesterday and discussed the current situation in the CSTO, reviewed its future prospects, explored on what we can do, talked about common problems, common plans and common steps.

The Collective Rapid Reaction Force (CRRF) exercises will be held soon and we are preparing for them together.

In general such informal summits provide an opportunity to meet and simply talk about different issues, something which is especially valuable as I said yesterday during our conversation.

I sincerely wish to thank you for bringing our delegation to a place as beautiful as Issyk Kul. I am here for the first time in my life and naturally everything strikes me: the dimensions, colours, and the atmosphere. This place is distinguished and, of course, the choice was absolutely correct both to communicate within the CSTO and to congratulate you on your birthday.

Once again I wish you health and strength for the benefit of Kyrgyzstan, for the benefit of your leadership, and we certainly look forward to strengthening the friendly relations between the Russian Federation and Kyrgyzstan.