Russian-Kyrgyz negotiations

Mikhail Mishustin's negotiations with Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov

Excerpts from the transcript:

Mikhail Mishustin: Mr Japarov, colleagues,

I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all of you at the Government of the Russian Federation. Your official visit coincides with the celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region and the inauguration of the Days of Kyrgyz Culture in Russia.

As you are aware, we hold our relations with Kyrgyzstan, our ally and strategic partner, in high regard.

The Presidents of our countries maintain constant communication, with an intensive dialogue occurring at all levels. This year, President Sadyr Japarov has visited the Russian Federation on three occasions. We eagerly anticipate his presence at the BRICS summit in Kazan this week.

Mr Alykbek Japarov and I also maintain regular communication. We collaborate within the frameworks of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Just last week, we participated together in the SCO summit held in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Our Intergovernmental Russian-Kyrgyz Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Humanitarian Cooperation, chaired by Alexei Overchuk from the Russian side, is also functioning successfully. I am very pleased that you address all issues personally. Its regular meeting took place in July, coinciding with the Russian-Kyrgyz Interregional Conference.

Russia and Kyrgyzstan possess great potential for enhancing co-operation, particularly in the financial sector, industry, agriculture, energy, transport, and digital technologies, as we have discussed in detail today.

Our trade co-operation is progressing at a commendable pace. In the first eight months of this year, trade turnover increased by 16 percent. The share of the rouble in mutual settlements has reached almost 90 percent. We would, of course, like to sustain this trend to ensure stable and predictable conditions for conducting business.

Our nation is making a significant contribution to reinforcing the energy security of your Republic. At the St Petersburg Economic Forum in June, long-term contracts were signed for the supply of Russian natural gas to the northern and southern regions of your country.

The establishment of a low-power nuclear plant designed by a Russian company and the construction of solar power plants are also under discussion. An industrial cluster is being formed to produce the components necessary for such units.

Our co-operation extends beyond the economic agenda. We place special emphasis on cultural ties, which form the foundation for strengthening the friendly, good-neighbourly, and truly fraternal relations between our peoples.

At the end of August, a Kyrgyz-Russian fair of innovative educational solutions was held, attended by more than 150 representatives of leading Russian institutions in this field. It provided an opportunity to discuss in detail the mechanisms for developing the scientific and technical creativity of schoolchildren and the peculiarities of working with gifted children.

Kyrgyz youth are interested in pursuing their studies in Russia, which is a source of great satisfaction for us. Approximately 16,000 Kyrgyz students are currently studying in our country, and we are implementing other projects that are in high demand.

We have an extensive bilateral agenda, and I am ready to discuss all the issues we have today.

I am pleased to give you the floor, Mr Japarov. Please, proceed.

Akylbek Japarov: Mr Mishustin, colleagues, friends,

I would like to start by conveying heartfelt greetings that our President Sadyr Japarov sends to you. Please allow me to express my deep gratitude to you, Mr Mishustin, for inviting me to visit the Russian Federation and for the traditional hospitality.

Thank you for saying kind words about Kyrgyzstan and the Kyrgyz people. I fully share your assessment of where Kyrgyz-Russian relations are standing now. This is my first official visit to the Russian Federation timed to coincide with the celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region and holding of Kyrgyz Culture Days in Russia.

Yesterday's official opening of this anniversary event dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region and Days of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Russian Federation held at the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia is a vivid and most compelling testament to the fraternal relations between our countries.

Mr Mishustin, I am grateful to you for caring about things and Alexei Overchuk and many other colleagues' personal involvement in the solemn event dedicated to opening the Days of Culture in Moscow.

Friends,

The creation of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region in 1924 as part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, and then, in 1926, the Kyrgyz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, and from 1936 the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic, was immensely important for our people and laid the foundation of the sovereign Kyrgyz Republic. The friendship between the Kyrgyz people and the Russian people has been forged over centuries and endured many challenges demonstrating numerous examples of loyalty and devotion.

I would like to particularly highlight the sacred shared victory over Nazism, that brown plague of the 20^th century. During the grueling years of the Great Patriotic War, Kyrgyz people fought side by side with Russians and other Soviet peoples, heroically defending freedom and independence of our common Motherland. Our peoples endured these harsh trials and became bound by millions threads of human destinies.

Just like Russia, Kyrgyzstan cherishes the memory of the Great Patriotic War and is enthusiastically preparing for the upcoming 80^th anniversary of Victory over Nazism.

I believe we will have a productive exchange of views at today's joint meeting.

I would like to turn a spotlight on the following aspects of bilateral relations.

First, our countries and peoples enjoy full mutual understanding and trust, which allows us to expand productive cooperation.

In May 2023, during an official visit of President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov to the Russian Federation, Kyrgyz-Russian relations were elevated to the status of deepened allied and strategic partnership.

To reinforce top-level contacts, a few months later, in October 2023, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin made a successful reciprocal official visit to Kyrgyzstan.

Second, there are no political differences between our countries, and both countries are mutually determined to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across all areas for the benefit of the peoples of our countries.

Third, high dynamics of bilateral contacts are maintained at all levels. This year, our President Sadyr Japarov visited the Russian Federation three times on working visits. The day after tomorrow, he will participate in the BRICS summit of heads of state in Kazan. Such a high level of contacts between our respective presidents motivates us to be proactive in our work.

Colleagues,

The work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Humanitarian Cooperation has made a significant contribution to promoting economic cooperation between our two countries. The Kyrgyz-Russian Interregional Conference has proven effective as well. I would like to highlight the positive outcomes of the latest meetings of the intergovernmental commission and conference, which took place on July 10 in Krasnoyarsk. We have agreed to keep up the pace of our efforts to increase bilateral trade and to bring its volume to $5 billion, as instructed by the heads of our respective states.

The 2022-2026 government economic cooperation programme is being successfully implemented. We are very pleased that Russian privately-owned businesses and investors have spotted the opportunities available in Kyrgyzstan and have stepped up their activities. We remain open to Russian investment projects and are willing to provide maximum assistance in implementing investment proposals.

The Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund has achieved significant results. To date, it has financed about 3,500 projects worth approximately $750 million.

Mr Mishustin, we particularly value cultural and humanitarian ties with Russia which are based on the closely intertwined historical destinies of our two peoples over many centuries. Notably, our constitution grants Russian the status of an official language. We have always had and will continue to have a special, careful attitude towards the Russian language. The great Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov wrote in Russian the books that made him famous.

Cooperation in education is making strides, and our Minister of Education will have more to say about it later.

Over the years, tens of thousands of highly skilled specialists have been trained in Russia, who now work in Kyrgyzstan and Russia serving as a bridge of friendship connecting our countries.

In five days, on October 26, a Friendship Park of the Regions of Kyrgyzstan and Russia will open to public. We expect a high-level delegation led by Alexei Overchuk to attend this major event.

I believe cultural ties nourish our friendship and preserve our brotherhood.

Mr Mishustin, I would like to close by expressing hope that the allied and strategic partnership relations between our countries will help us move forward towards our common goal which is prosperity and the well-being of our peoples and countries.

I would like to take this opportunity and invite you, Mr Mishustin, to visit Kyrgyzstan on a reciprocal official visit.

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