Bishkek, Feb. 4, 2019. /Kabar/. As part of his official visit to Kyrgyzstan, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov met with students and faculty of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (KRSU) in Bishkek on February 4.
At the beginning of his speech, the head of the Russian foreign affairs ministry told about the dynamics of the development of economic, cultural and humanitarian relations between the two countries, as well as relations within the framework of membership in a number of international organizations.
“Today’s meeting demonstrates a high level of mutual understanding between the two states. Our countries are reliable allies, strategic partners. Our relations are built on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and consideration of the interests of each other, and they are not subject to changes in the international situation,” Lavrov emphasized.
He continued that the decisive contribution to giving these relations the necessary stability is brought in by a regular trustful dialogue at the highest level, and at present the parties are discussing the preparation of the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Kyrgyz Republic this spring.
“Moscow remains the leading trade and economic partner of Bishkek – there is a steady increase in mutual trade. According to the results of 11 months of last year, it amounted to almost 30%, and large major companies: Gazprom, Russian Railways, Rosneft, Rosatom – more than 680 joint ventures work fruitfully here. An important role, of course, is played by interregional ties involving more than 40 constituent entities of the Russian Federation,” the Minister informed about economic relations of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation.
He further elaborated on the humanitarian sphere, highlighting the role of the Russian language in Kyrgyzstan, as well as the existing educational programs for teaching students in Russian universities.
“Today, about 16 thousand Kyrgyz students are studying in Russia, and this year alone, 350 budgetary places have been allocated for Kyrgyz citizens. A meeting with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic has just taken place. Mr. Jeenbekov confirmed the focus of the country's leadership on the promotion of the Russian language as the language of international communication – the official language of the country,” the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
In addition, Lavrov voiced Russia's position on international agendas, noting that the country aims to expand cooperation and build a constructive dialogue with external partners in accordance with the obligations of international organizations. First of all, according to the diplomat, the priority direction of Russia's foreign policy remains strengthening ties with the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) as before.
After the speech of the distinguished guest, the meeting participants had the opportunity to ask questions of interest, to which the diplomat gave answers. Frequently, questions related to the employment opportunities of KRSU graduates in Russia, the expansion of student exchange programs, the position of Moscow in regard to other countries, and the activities of Lavrov as Russian Foreign Minister.
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