Russia, Kyrgyzstan elevate ties to strategic partnership, sign multiple agreements
World
Russia and Kyrgyzstan elevate bilateral ties to strategic partnership, exchange multiple agreements on trade, energy, education, defense, and security, strengthening regional cooperation
MOSCOW (Shahid Ghuman) - Following high-level talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov announced that bilateral relations between the two countries are being elevated to a “deeper strategic partnership and alliance.”
Several agreements and documents related to bilateral cooperation were exchanged during the meeting.
At a joint press conference, President Putin said the ties between Russia and Kyrgyzstan are based on friendship, trust, and neighborhood cooperation. He noted that bilateral trade reached a record $4 billion last year, with a projected 17% increase this year. According to Putin, nearly all trade transactions have shifted from foreign currencies to the Russian ruble, accounting for 97% of all exchanges.
Putin highlighted Russia’s support for Kyrgyz tax reforms and product labeling systems, which have boosted government revenues by over $1 billion. On energy and investment, Russian investments in Kyrgyzstan total nearly $2 billion, with over 1,700 Russian companies operating across multiple sectors.
The two leaders also discussed major projects including a solar energy initiative in Issyk-Kul and a modern thermal power plant in northern Kyrgyzstan. Russia’s Rosatom continues decommissioning uranium mines, while plans for Kyrgyzstan’s first small modular reactor-based nuclear power plant are under consideration.
In education and culture, over 10,000 Kyrgyz students are studying in Russia, half of them on government scholarships. Nine new Russian-language schools will be constructed in Kyrgyzstan, with the first three opening in 2027. A Eurasian Center for Russian language and culture and a new Russian-language TV channel in Bishkek are already operational.
Regarding defense and security, both countries agreed to strengthen joint efforts against terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Putin noted that the joint Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan plays a key role in regional stability.
On international affairs, the leaders pledged to continue close cooperation on platforms including the United Nations, SCO, and CIS. President Putin thanked the Kyrgyz leadership and expressed hope that the visit would be a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties. Both leaders are expected to participate in the upcoming CSTO summit.
