Talks with President of Lebanon Michel Aoun
Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with President of the Lebanese Republic Michel Aoun, who is in Russia on an official visit.
March 26, 2019 - 18:30 - The Kremlin, Moscow
The talks were attended on the Russian side by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov and Minister of Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin. Attending on the Lebanese side were Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil and Senior Presidential Aide Mirei Aoun al-Hashem.
Following the talks the two leaders adopted a Joint Statement on Further Developing and Strengthening the Relations of Friendship and Cooperation between Lebanon and Russia.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Mr President, friends and colleagues,
We are very happy to welcome you to Moscow.
Lebanon is our traditional longtime partner in the Middle East and North Africa. We maintain relations with the leaders of your country and representatives of different political forces and religions. We are happy to see you in Moscow both as the President of the country and a representative of the Christian community.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. This country, the Soviet Union at that time, was one of the first to recognize Lebanon’s independence.
Mr President, I would like to emphasise once again that we are happy to see you in our country. Welcome.
President of the Lebanese Republic Michel Aoun (retranslated):
Mr President, thank you very much.
I would also like to note the long-term nature of our relations that are more than a hundred years old. Of course, there was an interval when they broke up, but we will work in the hope that they will only grow stronger at present and in the future.
We highly value the position of Russia, your stance in defence of religious minorities in the East. It goes without saying that we are living through hard times now and would therefore like to have your support.
We held a number of meetings with representatives from Russian business circles yesterday and today, and these meetings were very useful, We hope they will promote economic cooperation.
Regrettably, today we heard the news that the United States has recognised the Golan Heights as part of Israel. Naturally, this undermines the foundations and principles of the UN and international law since the founding of this organisation. This is the second time that we are seeing how one state simply takes away occupied territories in this region. This is certainly a source of serious concern for the countries that are in the direct vicinity of Israel. We hope a settlement to this problem will be found in the near future.
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60146
Telephone conversation with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko
Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.
March 26, 2019 - 20:40
Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko discussed current aspects of Russian-Belarusian relations with an emphasis on the development of cooperation within the Union State. They also touched on integration processes within the Eurasian Economic Union.
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60149
Greetings on the opening of the first Forum of Russian and Kyrgyzstani university rectors, Development of Science and Education is an Investment in the Future
Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to the participants and guests of the first Forum of Russian and Kyrgyzstani university rectors, Development of Science and Education is an Investment in the Future.
March 27, 2019 - 16:40
The message reads, in part:
“Holding such an event is, of course, much welcomed. A direct dialogue between the two states’ universities provides great opportunities for develop cooperation in education and science and helps strengthen bilateral humanitarian ties, which have traditionally been an important element of Russian-Kyrgyzstani strategic partnership.
You will exchange practical experience in teaching, research and organisational work and discuss prospects of implementing joint projects, both bilateral and within the Eurasian integration processes. It is important to think together about how to preserve and multiply our common intellectual, cultural and spiritual heritage.
I am confident that your discussions will be interesting and substantive, and help you outline new forms and methods of cooperation between Russian and Kyrgyzstani universities. And, of course, they will strengthen the friendship and understanding between our people.”
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60155
Greetings to 10th Mstislav Rostropovich International Festival
Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to the organisers, participants and guests of the 10th Mstislav Rostropovich International Festival.
March 27, 2019 - 18:00
The message reads, in part:
“This festival was established to commemorate an outstanding musician, a vibrant, talented, extraordinary man, and a great devotee. The list of the Maestro’s undeniable accomplishments includes creating a foundation for cultural and humanitarian programmes that, for many years, has been successfully supporting the professional development of young talents, helping them find their way as artists.
Today, many popular educational, mentoring, and charity initiatives spearheaded by the foundation are being implemented, and many large-scale celebratory events, like this wonderful festival, are being held.
Over the years, it has brought together powerful creative forces, garnered prestige and recognition, and become a great and memorable event in the cultural life of our country and the world.
I am sure that this year’s festival will be held at a high level, and that it will treat its guests to a full, sumptuous concert programme and an all-star line-up.”
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60156
State visit to Kyrgyzstan
Vladimir Putin made a state visit to Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.
March 28, 2019 - 11:40 - Bishkek
The official welcoming ceremony was followed by talks. The presidents of Russia and Kyrgyzstan met in the restricted format before continuing talks with participation of their respective delegations.
The discussion focused on current state and prospects for developing relations of strategic partnership and alliance, as well as enhancing interaction within regional associations in light of Kyrgyzstan’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.
Following the talks, the two presidents signed a Joint Statement of the President of the Russian Federation and the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. In addition, an exchange of intergovernmental, interdepartmental, interregional and commercial documents signed during the state visit took place in the presence of Vladimir Putin and Sooronbay Jeenbekov. In particular, the documents concern the development of the oil and gas and oil processing industries as well as the railway network in Kyrgyzstan, cooperation in supplying crude oil and refined products, trade and economic cooperation, exchange of best practices in the implementation of national projects, the status of and conditions for stationing a joint Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan, comprehensive geological exploration, restoration of Kyrgyzstan’s mineral resources, and cooperation in education and sports.
The two leaders also made statements for the press.
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60157
Conversation with President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov
March 28, 2019 - 09:45
President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov:
Mr President, welcome to the Kyrgyz Republic.
We heartily greet you and are delighted to see you here. We appreciate your state visit.
Kyrgyz people know you and value you as a true, close and reliable friend. We are always happy when you and our Russian friends come to visit us. To us, Russia is a reliable, close and loyal ally and an important long-term strategic partner, and we value the relations with the Russian Federation a lot.
Through your personal support our bilateral relations have reached a whole new level. Last year we met several times, and this is our second meeting this year. Each meeting gives a boost to our development. We very much appreciate Russia’s support in our country’s adaptation to the EAEU environment. I would like to thank you for the assistance you provided to our Armed Forces. We will always strive to strengthen the friendly relations between our countries.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan. Please, the floor is yours.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Thank you very much.
First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr President, for the invitation. We had a meeting not so long ago and discussed current issues. I am delighted that today we can continue our dialogue. I can say the same about Kyrgyzstan: it is our reliable ally and strategic partner, which is very telling, and therefore we have worked and will work both in the bilateral format and on international platforms.
We just talked about a major international event that Kyrgyzstan will soon organize, a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. I am sure that it will be held at a high level.
At the beginning of our conversation I would like to emphasise that thanks to your efforts, the atmosphere in Kyrgyzstan is calm and stable which allows for addressing social and economic issues. I think this is what we should focus on today.
Thank you again for the invitation.
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/60158
Russia-Kyrgyzstan talks in expanded format
March 28, 2019 - 11:00 - Bishkek
President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov:
Mr President, friends,
Welcome to the Kyrgyz Republic. Please accept our heartfelt greetings. We are delighted to see you.
Mr President, first of all, I would like to say how much I appreciate your making this state visit to Kyrgyzstan. I am pleased to note the high level and active dynamics of our bilateral cooperation.
We are expanding and deepening our cooperation in trade, industrial production, transport and migration. Our military and military-technical cooperation is gradually progressing. Thank you for your assistance for the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan. We appreciate your decision to announce the migration amnesty for Kyrgyz citizens once again. It greatly supports our fellow nationals in Russia.
Just now, during a restricted meeting, we confirmed our mutual understanding concerning all the issues on the agenda. Thank you, Mr President, for the support and understanding of our initiatives.
Friends, recently our cooperation has become closer through a number of top-level bilateral meetings. We also successfully held a meeting of the intergovernmental commission.
The First Forum of Russian and Kyrgyzstani University Rectors rounded up yesterday. A large-scale interregional conference is underway right now, which aims to build up the potential of our regions and establish direct contacts between the constituent entities of our countries.
Following Kyrgyzstan’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union, our relations have reached a qualitatively new level. Kyrgyzstan highly appreciates Russia’s assistance in the amount of $200 million for the country’s adaptation to the EAEU environment.
I would like to particularly mention the timely establishment of the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, which has financially supported a number of projects for the development of the republic’s economy.
I am certain that today’s meeting will allow us to compare our views, determine our further steps and the course of our cooperation. As always, this meeting will take place in the spirit of alliance and strategic partnership. Today we will sign an extensive package of documents concerning various aspects of our relations.
Mr President, please.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Mr President,
Friends, colleagues,
On behalf of the entire Russian delegation, I would like to thank you for your invitation to pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan. I am certain that our work will be productive and helpful to the further development of relations between Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation.
The trade and economy always require special attention. I am pleased to note that in this field we have seen a positive trend. The trade between our countries is constantly growing. We noted a strong impact of Kyrgyzstan’s joining our leading integration process, the EAEU. The trade between Kyrgyzstan and the EAEU members is constantly growing. But also in terms of bilateral relations, you have just mentioned the spheres in which we are involved together and which we discussed both one-on-one and at the restricted format meeting. In addition to the economy, these areas include cultural, humanitarian and educational contacts. Several thousand young Kyrgyz specialists are studying in Russia. We agree with your proposal to announce the next few years the years of the Russian-Kyrgyz cooperation. We will continue to give our full attention to these matters.
Right now, a big and representative delegation of rectors of Russian higher education institutions is visiting Kyrgyzstan. There is also a big “landing party” of Russian regional heads: governors from 18 Russian regions arrived here to meet with their partners in Kyrgyzstan. A representative Russian delegation from the business community, over 200 leading Russian business people, is here to explore the local opportunities for expanding their businesses.
We have built a very close alliance between our military agencies. I am certain that this cooperation will continue both in the multilateral format of the CSTO and bilaterally. This cooperation will include supplies of military equipment, arms, the training of Kyrgyz troops, including at the Russian Defence Ministry’s higher education institutions. The scope of cooperation is extensive and covers almost every field, including the coordination of our efforts on the international arena.
I would like to thank you for the attention you personally pay to the relations with Russia across all sectors. I hope that our partnership will develop in the same manner in the short term and at least in the midterm.
Thank you.
Sooronbay Jeenbekov:
Mr President,
Thank you for your constructive and substantive speech. I would like to note that our countries’ governments have worked very hard to develop cooperation. I am confident that the implementation of the agreements signed following the Intergovernmental Commission’s recent meeting will further promote our multifaceted cooperation.
I am happy to note how active our business community is and how interested they are in partnerships in trade, the economy, investment, and in interregional areas. Regarding the positive dynamics in bilateral trade growth, we have to reach and top the 2 billion mark together.
With regard to military and political developments in the region, I consider it important to continue the re-equipping of Kyrgyzstan’s armed forces with modern weapons and other military equipment.
We need to step up cooperation in agriculture and exports of agricultural products from Kyrgyzstan to Russia. Our products are known for their high ecological properties.
The Kyrgyz veterinarian control system has made a distinct breakthrough in improving its activities. Russia has lifted the ban on importing raw meat from Kyrgyzstan, for which we are sincerely grateful.
Last year, cultural cooperation of our countries was marked by the 90th anniversary of people’s author Chingiz Aitmatov. Let me express my gratitude for Russia’s support in immortalising the memory of this great humanist writer in Moscow.
Cooperation in education and youth policy also continues. I am grateful for your decision to increase quotas for students from Kyrgyzstan at Russian universities. This will make it possible to fill Kyrgyzstan’s market with highly qualified specialists. Human resource training in technical disciplines at Russian universities is very important for us right now.
As for cooperation in migration, I would like to ask you to consider the possibility of easing the migration registration procedures or consider fines without deportation. During our restricted meeting we talked about this.
I also ask you to assist in expediting the process to provide technical assistance in creating a Kyrgyz national system of product traceability. We discussed this earlier, and it has been repeatedly reviewed at the government and agency levels of the two countries.
We very much appreciate that Russia has supported Kyrgyzstan’s priorities during this year’s presidency in the CSTO.
We welcome Russia’s intent to further boost a settlement in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan is ready to make its fair share of contribution to the process of regional security because it is interested in a peaceful, prosperous Afghanistan.
Cells of international terrorist organisations continue to operate in the CIS countries. It is important to carry on the joint fight against terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking. I am happy to note the cooperation of our corresponding agencies in this area. I also would like to ask you to consider the possibility of reviving the assistance programme in counteracting illegal drug trafficking.
Summing up, I would like to note that we have no disputes and that we cooperate closely in all areas. Our talks were held in an atmosphere of absolute trust and we have outlined great plans for the future. This again shows that we – Kyrgyzstan and Russia – are reliable allies and strategic partners.
Thank you for your attention.
I suggest we conclude our expanded meeting and proceed with signing the documents.
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/60160
Press statements following Russia-Kyrgyzstan talks
March 28, 2019 - 11:45 - Bishkek
President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov:
Friends, we are delighted to welcome the Russian delegation to our hospitable Kyrgyz land.
Mr President,
Once again I would like to thank you for making your state visit to the Kyrgyz Republic. We had constructive and productive talks and covered all spheres concerning bilateral interaction. Again I would like to point out that thanks to you and your personal support, our bilateral relations have reached a whole new level and were given a fresh boost. Your state visit is an undoubtedly remarkable historic event in Russian-Kyrgyz relations.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The top-level Russian-Kyrgyz talks have just concluded. I would like to note that the meeting and talks during the state visit of President of Russia Vladimir Putin were held in an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding. We signed an impressive package of bilateral agreements that meet the interests of both countries and aim to bring our relations to a new level. I am sure that their implementation will benefit the peoples of our two countries.
During the talks, the parties expressed interest in the development of multifaceted cooperation between our countries.
Acting in the spirit of strategic partnership, we are going to increase foreign-policy, trade and economic, and military-technical cooperation. Being allies, we will act together to ensure regional stability.
Today we agreed to hold the Year of the Kyrgyz Republic in Russia and the Year of the Russian Federation in Kyrgyzstan in 2020. These events will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of our strategic alliance.
We also exchanged opinions on current international affairs, reviewed our interaction, including as part of such regional organisations as the CSTO and SCO. As you know, this year Kyrgyzstan chairs these two organisations. Here in Bishkek we will hold regular meetings of heads of state.
We also had a substantial conversation about the improvement of trade and economic relations, including within the Eurasian Economic Union. We are glad that our mutual trade has been growing: the republic received $123 million in direct foreign investments from Russia, which is 25 percent more than in 2017.
We paid special attention to the removal of trade barriers. Both sides are interested in creating favourable conditions for agricultural cooperation. This will increase the supplies of the produce from the Kyrgyz agro-industrial complex to the Russian market.
We discussed in detail the advance of joint infrastructure projects in the field of transport, railways, energy and industrial cooperation.
Kyrgyz representatives spoke about the need to create favourable conditions for reciprocal trips and jobs for citizens of both countries with due account of the EAEU membership.
The Eighth Russia-Kyrgyzstan Interregional Conference, completes its work today. For us it is of utmost importance to attract Russian investments and create favourable conditions for small and medium-sized businesses. Therefore, at the conference we will sign a number of interregional agreements and contracts in the trade and economic and investment sphere. We hope that direct contacts between our regions and business structures will grow.
We did not neglect cultural and humanitarian issues. We continue strengthening our ties in the field of education, the training of personnel and youth policy. The first forum of rectors of Kyrgyz and Russian universities was successfully held in Bishkek yesterday. Our joint project, that is, the Boris Yeltsin Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University is one of Kyrgyzstan’s flagship universities with a 25 year-long history. Over 15,000 students from Kyrgyzstan study in the Russian Federation today. I am convinced that they will return home as top professionals and will make a tangible contribution to the development of Kyrgyzstan.
We cherish the unique store of our spiritual ties, which are based on the common history of our peoples. I would like to repeat that the Russian language has been and will remain the official language of the Kyrgyz Republic. We attach much importance to this issue of national standing.
Friends,
The Russian Federation is our close, reliable and loyal ally and long-term strategic partner. We recognise its leading role in the consolidation of universal security and resolving global and regional problems. We are always overjoyed when it comes to Russia’s achievements and will continue to actively consolidate Kyrgyz-Russian friendship.
May God grant peace, prosperity and every success to the peoples of Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
Thank you all very much.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,
During this state visit to Kyrgyzstan, I have enjoyed a very constructive and friendly atmosphere. In a more expanded format involving the President and me, as well as our colleagues, we discussed the entire scope of bilateral cooperation on topical issues, including integration across Eurasia. I want to stress once again: the Kyrgyz Republic is Russia’s partner and reliable ally with which we are connected by time-tested and cherished ties of friendship and mutual understanding.
During the talks, we confirmed our mutual interest in the further overarching strengthening of our relations in political, cultural and humanitarian affairs as well as in other areas such as military and military-technical cooperation.
The specific vectors for the development of multi-dimensional Russia-Kyrgyz relations and ties are reflected in the joint statement newly adopted by the President and myself. The multiple documents signed in front of you are also aimed at solving the practical tasks of our bilateral cooperation.
Of course, we focused in particular on trade and economic cooperation, both in restricted meetings and in those involving heads of key ministers and government bodies. We noted with satisfaction a positive dynamic in bilateral trade. According to our statistics, last year it increased by 17 percent, reaching almost two billion dollars. This January it grew by another 25 percent.
The Russian Export Centre’s active work facilitates expanded mutual trade volumes. Twelve joint projects worth $71 million and aiming to expand the commodity range have already been launched with its support. In turn, the Russian Direct Investment Fund is doing a lot to boost mutual capital investment volumes. An agreement, signed between the Fund and Kyrgyz partners, aims to expand mutual investment, the current volume of which exceeds $350 million. Accumulated Russian investment in Kyrgyzstan exceeds $200 million, and Kyrgyzstan has accumulated $150 million worth of investments in Russia.
It should be noted that Russian companies operate in virtually all key sectors of the Kyrgyz economy, including in the power industry, the mining and engineering sectors, agriculture and transport. Over 700 Russian-Kyrgyz joint ventures operate successfully in the republic. The Russian-Kyrgyz inter-governmental commission functions efficiently, with Bishkek recently hosting its regular meeting on March 1. Members of the Russian-Kyrgyz Business Council deal with specific projects yielding a real economic effect, including those in the field of small and medium-sized businesses. The inter-regional conference holds regular meetings involving the heads of regions and municipalities and both countries’ business circles. These days, Bishkek is the venue of the eighth meeting of the conference; Mr President and I will attend its plenary session some time later.
We maintain large-scale cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Gazprom is doing a lot to implement a general plan for supplying Kyrgyzstan with gas and building gas pipelines in local communities until 2030. The Russian concern has already invested 16 billion rubles out of the planned 100 billion ruble sum, increasing the number of Kyrgyz communities that receive gas from 22 percent to 30 percent. Their share is to reach 60 percent; and I am confident that these plans will be implemented. Since 2011, Russia has been annually exporting over 1.1 million tonnes of crude oil to Kyrgyzstan duty-free. The direct economic effect from these easy-term deliveries for the Kyrgyz economy totals an estimated $2 billion.
The two countries’ cooperation in the development of natural resources is successfully developing. We agreed today that VTB, Alliance Group and Alliance Altyn of Kyrgyzstan will begin a major project to develop the Jerooy gold mine. The total investment in the project over a period of the next 20 years will be about $600 million.
Bilateral cooperation in high technologies is also growing. Among promising innovative projects is the joint production of single-crystal wafers for solar power stations in Kyrgyzstan. Russia’s BL Group is ready to begin production of modern LED equipment in the republic.
The cooperation between Russia and Kyrgyzstan within the Eurasian Economic Union was a major topic on the agenda of the talks. Our country is helping to adapt the Kyrgyz economy to the EAEU environment. The Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, specially created for this purpose, has invested more than $300 million in various sectors of the Kyrgyz economy. Due to Russia’s help – with $200 million allocated for this purpose –Kyrgyzstan’s customs infrastructure and border checkpoints are being upgraded. After all these projects are completed, presumably by 2020, Kyrgyz products will be certified for compliance with the EAEU technical regulations directly in the republic.
I must note that in Russia, a lot is being done to create favourable conditions for Kyrgyz labour migrants. In October-December 2018, Russia held a migration amnesty at the request of the President of Kyrgyzstan, allowing thousands of Kyrgyz citizens who, for one reason or another, mainly for technical reasons, violated the terms of their stay in Russia, to go home and return without administrative responsibility, which we had agreed with Mr President and implemented, as we can see. At the request of Kyrgyzstan, the amnesty was extended until the end of April, which once again underlines the special nature of relations between our countries.
And of course, cultural and humanitarian ties and exchanges are of great importance for strengthening Russian-Kyrgyz cooperation. Last year, both countries organised events dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the outstanding Soviet and Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov’s birth. The date was celebrated with great success. After this joint news conference, the President and I agreed to visit the house-museum of Aitmatov, who made a great contribution to the development of Russian and Kyrgyz culture, to strengthening friendly relations and ties between our peoples.
This month, Kyrgyzstan held Days of Russian Culture and a Russian Cinema Week. The Flowers of Russia international children's festival will open tomorrow.
Our countries are intensively cooperating in the field of education. At present, almost 16,000 Kyrgyz students are enrolled in Russian universities, including more than 6,500 whose tuition is covered by the Russian federal budget. Another 11,000 people study at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University in Bishkek. This university has been the flagship of bilateral cooperation in higher education for more than 25 years. Last year, Russia allocated another 185 million rubles for its development.
We also agreed with the President that 2020 will be declared a Russia-Kyrgyzstan cross year. The relevant agencies in both countries have been instructed to prepare a rich programme of activities.
During the talks, we noted that Russia and Kyrgyzstan share identical or similar positions on key regional issues. In particular, we agreed to further coordinate our work in the United Nations and at other leading international platforms.
As a reminder, this year, Kyrgyzstan is presiding over the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, so we will be happy to come to Bishkek to attend the SCO and CSTO summits to be hosted in the Kyrgyz capital in June and November, respectively.
We expect to thoroughly discuss with our partners in these organisations the topics of jointly dealing with the challenges and threats in the Eurasian space. We have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the military and military-technical fields. The Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan makes a significant contribution to strengthening the republic’s defence capability, and its presence is an important factor for security and stability in Central Asia.
In conclusion, colleagues, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our Kyrgyz partners and the President of Kyrgyzstan for their hospitality and productive joint work. I am confident that the results of our meeting will contribute to the development of allied relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan, and will benefit the peoples of our countries.
Thank you.
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60159
Visit to Chingiz Aitmatov House-Museum
Together with President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov Vladimir Putin visited the House-Museum of writer Chingiz Aitmatov.
March 28, 2019 - 14:30 - Bishkek
The Chingiz Aitmatov House-Museum was opened in 2014 at the initiative of the writer's relatives, in the house where Aitmatov lived for more than 20 years. The exhibits are spread over six rooms, including the office and a library with the writer's books, photographs and awards. The museum includes a gallery of paintings based on Aitmatov’s works.
The Chingiz Aitmatov International Foundation operates at the museum. Established in 2000 by the writer himself, now the foundation is managed by his children, organising cultural and educational activities.
During a visit to the museum, Vladimir Putin and Sooronbay Jeenbekov were informed of the plans to create a Chingiz Aitmatov cultural centre in Kyrgyzstan. At the end of the tour, the heads of Russia and Kyrgyzstan signed the museum’s distinguished visitors’ book.
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60161
Eighth Russia-Kyrgyzstan Interregional Conference
Vladimir Putin and Sooronbay Jeenbekov took part in a plenary session of the Eighth Russia-Kyrgyzstan Interregional Conference, New Horizons for Strategic Partnership and Integration.
March 28, 2019 - 15:30 - Bishkek
The conference, organised with the support of the Roscongress Foundation, brought together over 700 representatives of government agencies, major companies and financial institutions of the two countries. A series of documents was signed on the sidelines of the conference.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
Mr President,
Colleagues, friends, I am happy to welcome all of you, all participants in the Eighth – already the eight one – Russia-Kyrgyzstan Interregional Conference.
Regular meetings in this format, as the President of Kyrgyzstan rightly noted, are very important and in demand. They provide heads of regions and local governments, representatives of expert and business circles, as well as public organisations with an opportunity to directly discuss current issues of cooperation, to align positions, and to jointly develop plans to expand mutually beneficial cooperation. As a result, interregional cooperation is being fleshed out with real substance; it is making a contribution to the development of the full range of bilateral relations and helping to strengthen the strategic partnership and alliance of Russia and Kyrgyzstan. This is why we immediately supported the initiative of the President of Kyrgyzstan to attend the plenary session together.
I would like to note that the issue of regional cooperation was also brought up during the constructive and fruitful talks the President and I had today. This is only logical, given that 71 Russian regions maintain direct relations with Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyz partners. During this visit, as far as I am aware, the Sverdlovsk and Tyumen regions, as well as the Komi and Bashkortostan republics, signed an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation. In short, I can sense that the representatives of the two countries are ready to do business and work together productively.
The impressive mix of conference participants speaks to this. According to our Kyrgyz friends, this conference has brought together over 800 delegates from 18 Russian regions and seven Kyrgyz regions, including 12 regional heads, as well as officials from the key economic ministries and agencies of both countries.
I also believe our main subject for discussion to be important and topical. I mean new horizons of interregional cooperation considering the integration processes that are becoming deeper in Eurasia. For more than four years now, Russia and Kyrgyzstan cooperate within the Eurasian Economic Union. The advantage of integration is evident.
The Kyrgyz economy is growing stably. The dynamics of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP growth are among the highest in the EAEU: four percent per year on average.
Russian-Kyrgyz trade and economic ties have become more active. Bilateral trade is growing: last year it increased 17 percent reaching almost $2 billion. About 80 percent of this amount is interregional trade. Cargo transport volumes between Russian and Kyrgyz regions are also increasing; the development of the EAEU digital agenda, such as introduction of a joint e-commerce system, automated device tracking and construction of wholesale distribution centres, helps promote this.
I would like to emphasise that cooperation within the Union increases the potential for Russian and Kyrgyzstani regional economic growth and creates further conditions to increase interregional cooperation, develop logistics and infrastructure and establish joint companies to produce competitive products.
And, of course, integration stimulates investment cooperation between the two countries, counter-flows and capital. Russia is a leading investor in Kyrgyzstan. The accumulated volume of Russian investment is over $200 billion. These resources are used in processing industries, wholesale and retail trade, and mining.
The Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, established to adapt the Kyrgyz economy to EAEU agreements, is an effective tool of bilateral economic cooperation. The Fund has invested $307 million in over 1,500 large and small projects. These projects are being carried out in various economic sectors and regions of Kirgizia, including the renovation of the airport in the Issyk-Kul Region, a building materials plant in the Osh Region and a shoe manufacturing facility in the Chuy Region.
Last year business and consultation centres opened everywhere in Kyrgyzstan as part of the comprehensive regional development programme devised by the Development Fund. They help businesspeople with drafting business plans and receiving financial assistance.
Russian-Kyrgyz interregional cooperation is supported by the Eurasian Development Bank that has funded a number of vital projects for the Kyrgyz regions such as the renovation of the Bishkek-Osh motorway and the upgrade of the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Plant. Today, bank representatives signed a memorandum on a joint project of integration management for republic and municipal government bodies.
There are great opportunities for cooperation in tourism for Russians, especially in Siberia and the Urals. The popular resorts of Issyk-Kul that is famous for its beaches, spa and alpine ski resorts attract tens of thousands of Russian visitors every year.
Of course, the importance of further cultural and humanitarian cooperation should also be noted. In 2018, Russian and Kyrgyz regions were largely involved in events marking the 90th birth anniversary of Chingiz Aitmatov, the classic writer of Soviet, Russian (as we believe) and, of course, Kyrgyz literature. We really enjoyed visiting the Chingiz Aitmatov House-Museum just now. Yakutsk hosted a Kyrgyz film festival screening films based on Aitmatov’s works. A sculpture inspired by his book, Farewell, Gulsary!, was unveiled in the Kyrgyz city of Cholpon-Ata with the support of the Sverdlovsk Regional government. Last December in Moscow, the President of Kyrgyzstan, as you may remember, unveiled a monument to this outstanding writer and thinker.
Our regions extensively work together to develop links in sports. Russian athletes from Kalmykia, Bashkortostan and the Altai Territory participated in the 3rd World Nomad Games in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Youth and university exchanges contribute to the further expansion of interregional contacts. The President also spoke about this. The regions were widely represented at conferences and forums for youth and university rectors.
Colleagues, finally, I would like to thank all our Kyrgyz friends, the President of Kyrgyzstan and everybody who gathered here today, for their activism and enthusiasm. I am also confident that the regions of Russia and Kyrgyzstan will continue to strengthen their bilateral partnership.
Colleagues, a great deal depends on you. The President of Kyrgyzstan and I will do whatever we can to support your constructive initiatives, endeavours and new projects. Next year it will be Russia’s turn to host the interregional conference. With great pleasure, I would like to invite you to Yekaterinburg.
Thank you very much.
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Vladimir Putin:
Colleagues, the President has been in office for eighteen months, and during this time we have seen considerable invigoration of our interstate ties and interregional contacts. The Kyrgyz economy is making steady headway, maintaining the pace and building up cooperation. I would like to draw your attention to this and reaffirm what our colleagues have said here, notably that Kyrgyzstan is creating very good and stable conditions for cooperation and investment. This means a lot for business, in part, for them to be confident.
I would like to express the hope that our colleagues from both sides – Kyrgyz and Russian – will avail themselves of this opportunity and the results will be meaningful and obvious both to Russia and Kyrgyzstan. I would like to express gratitude to the Kyrgyz representatives and to the President.
I want to point out one more thing – a considerate attitude towards the Russian language. Russian is an official language in Kyrgyzstan, which creates special conditions for cooperation and, incidentally, has serious implications for both the humanitarian area and the economy. I would like to thank you for this and wish success to all of you.
Thank you very much.
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60164
Laying wreaths at the Eternal Flame on Victory Square in Bishkek
Vladimir Putin and President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov laid wreaths at the Eternal Flame on Victory Square in Bishkek.
March 28, 2019 - 16:00 - Bishkek
Vladimir Putin’s state visit to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony.
Russia-Kyrgyzstan talks were held earlier today. The two presidents also attended the Eighth Russia-Kyrgyzstan Interregional Conference and visited the Chingiz Aitmatov House-Museum.
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60165
Greetings on the opening of League of Arab States' Summit
Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to heads of state and government of the League of Arab States (LAS) member states on the opening of LAS Summit
March 31, 2019 - 12:00
The message reads, in part:
“Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa are currently facing serious challenges related to armed conflicts, escalating threats of terror, and aggravating social and economic problems. This undoubtedly increases the relevance of the League of Arab States as a mechanism of comprehensive dialogue and interaction.
Russia operates on the premise that the crisis situation in the region should be settled through political and diplomatic means on the basis of international law and with scrupulous respect for countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity. This applies to Syria in full, where a massive blow was delivered to terror, the political process was launched and work was started to resolve pressing humanitarian issues, in large part due to Russia's efforts.
A major condition for the long-term stabilisation of the situation in the region is the settlement of the long-time Arab-Israeli conflict, which would include a just solution of the issue. The Arab Peace Initiative, approved by the League of Arab States, remains relevant in this regard.
Russia confirms those Middle East initiatives that it has announced previously, aimed at establishing a comprehensive anti-terror coalition under the auspices of the United Nations, in order to develop joint measures of security and trust in the Persian Gulf.
Russia is ready to further boost its partner relations with the Middle East and the states of North Africa in all areas. I am confident that a regular ministerial session of the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum to take place in Moscow in April will promote our cooperation.”
The source of information -
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/60181