BISHKEK, October 23. /TASS/. Russia is ready to keep up close defense cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, said the Russian Ambassador to the Central Asian republic, Nikolay Udovichenko.
"Russia highly values the relationship with its ally Kyrgyzstan and is ready to continue comprehensive cooperation, including in the military and defense fields," the Russian envoy said at a meeting marking the 20th anniversary of the Russian air base in Kant, Kyrgyzstan’s Chuy Region.
Udovichenko described the Kant Air Base as a major defensive line against external threats and a key component of the collective rapid reaction forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
"The changes currently taking place geopolitically and the growing conflict in international relations are increasing the importance of collective security forces. The leadership of our countries (Russia and Kyrgyzstan - TASS) believes that enhancing unity and combat readiness is the only correct response to these threats," the ambassador concluded.
The Russian diplomat thanked Kyrgyz authorities, the republic’s Defense Ministry and the administration of Kant and the Ysyk-Ata district where the air base is located "for active cooperation in maintaining the combat capability of the air base.".