BISHKEK, December 7. /TASS/. The Russian air base in Kyrgyzstan contributes to ensuring regional security, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sapar Isakov told reporters in Bishkek on Thursday.

"The mission of the Russian military base is very important not only for Kyrgyzstan but for the entire region as well," he said. According to Isakov, the air base is "a security guarantee," particularly as far as the country’s "external security" is concerned.

At the same time, in Isakov’s words, Kyrgyzstan should strengthen its own armed forces with time in order to be able to adequately respond to various threats. "In the future, Kyrgyzstan will have to rely on its own capabilities in ensuring security," he said.

"According to our agreement with Russia, the term of deployment is fifteen years, so when it period expires, we will have to assess the situation in the region," the Kyrgyz prime minister said.

There are currently several Russian military facilities in Kyrgyzstan, including an air base in the city of Kant (the Chuy region), which all form the United Russian military base.