Kyrgyzstan and Russia are aiming to ramp up their mutual trade turnover to $5bn, according to Akylbek Zhaparov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Head of the President's Administration, at the 25th Kyrgyz-Russian Intergovernmental Commission and 11th Interregional Conference.
During his speech, Zhaparov underlined the robust dynamics of Kyrgyz-Russian relations, noting the continuous high-level engagements between the two nations.
“The leaders of the two countries – Sadyr Japarov and Vladimir Putin – have given a high assessment of our cooperation and have outlined new directions for its development,” Zhaparov stated.
Focusing on trade and economic cooperation, Zhaparov stressed the importance of Russian investments in Kyrgyzstan. He highlighted the contributions of key institutions such as the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, the Russian Export Center, the Eurasian Development Bank, and the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development, all of which play vital roles in fostering bilateral trade and investment.
"The interregional conference has become a crucial platform for exchanging experiences and best practices between businesses of the two countries, strengthening regional interactions," Zhaparov remarked.
He praised the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund for financing over 3,000 projects totaling nearly $690mn over the past decade.
Zhaparov extended an invitation to the Russian side to participate in significant events such as the Issyk-Kul Investment and Economic Forum, the Bee Together light industry exhibition, and the AGRO EXPO. He also acknowledged ongoing energy project collaborations with Rosatom, including the construction of renewable energy facilities.
On cultural and humanitarian fronts, Zhaparov labeled the last three years as a "breakthrough for the education sector." He highlighted last year’s agreement on constructing nine state-of-the-art schools across Kyrgyzstan and the establishment of a branch of Moscow State University in Karakol.
Additionally, he mentioned the increase in budgeted spots for Kyrgyz students in Russian universities, the "Russian Teacher Abroad" project, and various cultural exchanges.
"In October 2024, Moscow will host the Days of Kyrgyz Culture, marking the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region," Japarov announced, adding plans for a Kyrgyzstan pavilion at the All-Russian Exhibition Center in Moscow this year.
Zhaparov outlined prospects in the tourism sector, revealing that Russian investors will begin constructing the Karkyra ski resort and other tourist facilities in the Issyk-Kul region.
"Russian tourists are always welcome in Kyrgyzstan," he stated, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to strengthen Kyrgyz-Russian relations through comprehensive strategic partnerships.
The plenary session culminated in the signing of several documents and agreements, further cementing the commitment of both nations to their shared objectives.
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