Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday received Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov at the Bocharov Ruchei residence, the Kremlin says, noting that the President of Kyrgyzstan was in Sochi on a working visit at the invitation of the President of Russia.

The two leaders reportedly discussed the development of bilateral interaction, including within the integration associations in the Eurasian space.  They also exchanged views on current regional issues, including improving stability on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.

Putin, in particular, noted that Russia is Kyrgyzstan’s biggest trade partner.   “Unfortunately, last year, mutual trade declined due to the pandemic.  But in the first quarter of 2021 we are witnessing a 6 percent increase, which is a positive trend and we need to maintain it, also by using the intergovernmental commission which is working rather actively, as far as I know,” Russian president said. 

He said that Russian and Kyrgyzstan also cooperate in countering the pandemic.  According to him, Russia has been assisting and will continue to assist Kyrgyzstan by sending test systems, antiviral drugs and vaccines.  “Our experts are currently considering launching production in Kyrgyzstan to manufacture our Sputnik V vaccine, which is now world famous,” he noted.  

Putin said that Russia was watching attentively and with great concern what was happening on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border.  “As you are aware, the President of Tajikistan visited us not so long ago.  Of course, we discussed this matter with him.  We had a positive response to the intention of both sides to resolve all similar disputable questions through negotiations.  I am sure that this goal can be reached exactly in this way,” he said, noting that they will do everything that depends on us to help resolve those issues.

“We realize that this is linked with the life of specific people primarily in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – they [the states] are thinking about their people.  It is necessary to find a long-term solution to the problem that would meet the interests of both sides.  We will be striving for this and do everything to help,” Russian leader said.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, for his part, reportedly expressed gratitude for Putin’s attention and his compassion over the events on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.