BISHKEK, February 28. /TASS/. Kyrgyzstan’s President Almazbek Atambayev has done much for developing ties with Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with the Kyrgyz leader on Tuesday.
"Indeed, you have done very much for relations between our countries to develop consistently and improve qualitatively. Today we’ll have the possibility to discuss all areas. Kyrgyzstan remains a very important partner for us and it is pleasant for us that Russia holds the first place in the sphere of trade and economic relations," Putin said.
Greeting the Russian leader, Atambayev said that presidential elections would be held in Kyrgyzstan on November 19 and, summing up some of the outcome of his work, he noted that efforts had succeeded in the past few years to boost ties between Russia and Kyrgyzstan to the level of strategic partnership.
Before the start of the talks between the two leaders, a ceremonial meeting of Atambayev and Putin was held at the entrance to the Kyrgyz leader’s residence.
The heads of state shook hands and exchanged a few phrases. After the orchestra played both countries’ anthems, the presidents walked along the guard of honor and greeted members of the delegations.