Bilateral military cooperation intensifies between Moscow and Bishkek

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that he discussed military-technical and defence cooperation between Russia and Kyrgyzstan with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. 

“Of course, we thoroughly discussed issues related to expanding bilateral cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres,” Putin said during a press conference following the Russian-Kyrgyz talks.

A joint statement issued by the presidents highlighted that strengthening the partnership between the two countries in defence and security, rooted in allied relations, contributes to regional stability. The statement, published on the Kremlin’s website, emphasised that both leaders “confirm their readiness to further deepen military and military-technical cooperation.”

The statement detailed that the two countries will continue to expand collaboration in personnel training, improve the combat readiness of troops, strengthen the material and technical base of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic, and develop Russian military facilities located on Kyrgyz territory.

In addition, Russia and Kyrgyzstan plan to increase the scale of joint exercises and combat training for their armed forces. These exercises will also be conducted in a multilateral format within the frameworks of the CIS, CSTO, and SCO. The countries aim to enhance their joint capacity and readiness to respond to emerging challenges and threats.

The statement further noted that both sides “recognise the importance of expanding and strengthening practical cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries in combating organised crime, the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, and in preventing terrorist and extremist threats.”

By Tamilla Hasanova