"I am happy that the Kyrgyz President has paid a visit to Russia just after his birthday," the Russian leader noted greeting the guest. Mr. Putin wished all the best to his Kyrgyz counterpart.
The Russian President pointed out progress in Russian-Kyrgyz relations in all spheres.
However, according to Vladimir Putin, the two leaders always have many important issues to discuss.
Mr. Akayev noted the development of Russian-Kyrgyz relations. Mutual trade turnover grew by over 50% in the first nine months of 2004 as compared to 30% in 2003.
Kyrgyzstan's leader focused on the bilateral energy cooperation. In his words, the agreement on the construction of the two hydroelectric power plants Kambarata-1 and Kambarata-2 will be signed soon. "These will be the largest power plants on the Naryn River," he added.
According to Askar Akayev, he will go to St. Petersburg "to resume cooperation with its largest electrotechnical companies, Elektrosila and Metal Plant, which have launched production of turbines and generators for the Kyrgyz hydroelectric power plants.
Moreover, the Kyrgyz President highly assessed the Russian airbase in Kant. "The base is functioning very well," he noted. "I believe that this base provides reliable protection against international terrorism," Mr. Akayev said adding that he had met with the commander of the 5th air army in Kant yesterday.
We have no claims on Russian servicemen and are grateful to them, Askar Akayev said in reply to Vladimir Putin's question. According to the Kyrgyz President, the deployment of this base boosted Kant's development.
Yesterday Askar Akayev turned 60. The Russian President forwarded him a message of congratulations on Wednesday.
