Moscow, June 20 / Kabar /. Russia continues to help the economy of Kyrgyzstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the press conference within the framework of the state visit of the Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev to Russia.
He said that the meetings of the two leaders are regular.
“Atambayev comes to Russia often, but this time is different: he is making a state visit. It is symbolic that this visit is being held in the year when we mark the 25th anniversary of Russian-Kyrgyzstani diplomatic relations and the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. In the past 25 years, relations between our countries developed in all areas based on mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests and have reached the level of strategic partnership,” he said
Putin said that talks with the President of Kyrgyzstan were held in a friendly and constructive spirit.
“We discussed the key issues on the bilateral agenda and also current regional and international matters. The talks we have held with government members and business leaders focused on Russian-Kyrgyzstani relations, primarily trade and economic cooperation. We noted with satisfaction that we have reversed, overall, the negative trend in mutual trade that was caused by global market instability. In the first quarter of 2017, our trade increased by 23 percent. Russian exports to Kyrgyzstan grew 24 percent and imports from Kyrgyzstan by 15 percent. The deliveries of foods and agricultural raw materials, which are vital commodities for Kyrgyzstan, have increased more than 150 percent,” he said.
The Russian leader stressed that Russia continues to help the economy of Kyrgyzstan. He told about the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, operating successfully, with Russia investing $500 million in its authorised capital.
The fund has provided financing to 28 major projects in Kyrgyzstan. Another 700 diverse projects have received loans in the amount of over $230 million from Kyrgyz commercial banks under the Small and Medium-Sized Business Support Programme.
“In addition, Russia annually provides $30 million to support the state budget of Kyrgyzstan. Since 2012, the cumulative amount of such grants has amounted to $255 million. Russia has allocated another $200 million to adapt the Kyrgyz economy to the terms and conditions of membership in the Eurasian Economic Union,” he said.
Putin also stressed that significant investments in Kyrgyzstan come from Russian commercial organizations.
He also said that money transfers by Kyrgyz citizens working in Russia make a significant contribution to Kyrgyzstan’s economy.
“Last year, the amount of such transfers increased by almost 20 percent and amounted to almost $2 billion, or one-third of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP. Such transfers grew by another 67 percent in the first quarter of this year. Kyrgyz citizens are granted preferential terms for employment, medical care and social assistance,” said Putin.
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