Kyrgyz president planning to strengthen strategic partnership with Russia
MOSCOW. Nov 29 (Interfax) - Russia should be given credit for preserving Kyrgyzstan's statehood following the events of 2010, Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said.
"[This year] marks 25 years of diplomatic relations. Kyrgyzstan and Russia have faced many challenges in 25 years; we had two revolutions. In 2010, there was a threat of losing [Kyrgyzstan's] statehood. But we managed to maintain peace and stability and embark on the path of sustainable development. A great deal of credit should also be given to Russia. The Kyrgyz people really value Russia's support and help," Jeenbekov said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"It is very symbolic for me to pay my first visit as Kyrgyz president to Russia. That is the way it should be," he said.
"It means that we are firmly committed to strengthening our relations, our alliance, our strategic partnership," Jeenbekov said.
"For my part, I will make every effort for our partnership to develop and strengthen," he said.
Jeenbekov arrived to Moscow on Wednesday for a working visit. He also met with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. It is Jeenbekov's first visit abroad as the Kyrgyz president. His inauguration took place on November 24.
On April 7, 2010, clashes between authorities and the opposition occurred in downtown Bishkek. Over 80 people were killed and over 300 injured. Those events resulted in a change of government in Kyrgyzstan, and former president Kurmanbek Bakiyev, his relatives, and his inner circle fled the country.