Share of Russian-Kyrgyz settlements in national currencies tops 88% - PM Mishustin
ALMATY. Feb 1 (Interfax) - The share of settlements in national currencies between Russia and Kyrgyzstan stood at over 88% in 2023, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.
"It is important that Russian-Kyrgyz ties and trade and economic cooperation have been developing successfully. Mutual trade reached 285 billion rubles in January-November last year. The share of interstate settlements in national currencies exceeded 88%," Mishustin said at a meeting with Kyrgyz Prime Minister and Presidential Executive Office Chief Akylbek Japarov.
It holds special significance in terms of protecting Russian-Kyrgyz cooperation from unlawful sanctions of the collective West, he said.
Russia is the largest investment partner for the Kyrgyz economy, Mishustin said.
"Joint projects are being implemented in sectors such as the processing industry, geological exploration, extraction of mineral resources. We are creating new jobs in different regions of Kyrgyzstan and are strengthening interregional ties, including at the level of small and medium enterprises," he said.
The work of the Russian-Kyrgyz intergovernmental commission has been effective, he said.
"We have good opportunities to broaden the horizons of our cooperation. We invite [Kyrgyzstan] to work more actively in energy, including in renewable energy sources, civilian nuclear technology, transport infrastructure, issues related to digital economy development. We expect the government of Kyrgyzstan to continue to offer comfortable conditions for Russian companies' operations," Mishustin said.
Mishustin also conveyed the Russian leader's best wishes to the Kyrgyz president and reiterated his readiness to discuss all issues on the bilateral agenda.
"We are sincerely interested in strengthening friendly and partner relations with Kyrgyzstan," he said.
Akylbek Japarov, in turn, said he is pleased to have the opportunity to discuss key issues of bilateral cooperation.
"Yesterday I had a constructive and open meeting in Bishkek with the team led by [Russian Deputy Industry and Trade Minister] Alexei Sergeyevich Besprozvannykh. Alexei Sergeyevich and his team had quite a busy program including field visits and meetings with our countries' relevant government agencies. I am confident that today's meeting will also offer an additional opportunity to compare notes regarding the prospects of bilateral cooperation," he said.