President Putin met with Uzbek President Islam Karimov during an informal summit of CIS leaders. Mr Putin and Mr Karimov discussed issues related to the situation in Central Asia.
Mr Putin and Armenian President Robert Kocharian discussed the Russian President’s upcoming visit to Yerevan.
President Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov discussed issues related to the fight against terrorism and trade and economic relations.
Mr Rakhmonov told his Russian counterpart about the situation in Tajikistan, the Tajik-Afghan border, the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking in Tajikistan. The Russian President said he supported the work of the Tajik Government and confirmed the intention of the Russian Government to expand its cooperation with its Tajik counterpart.
President Putin and Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev discussed issues related to the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and the situation in Central Asia.
Mr Putin praised Mr Akayev’s attempts to support the Russian-speaking population of Kyrgyzstan, in particular his efforts to give Russian the status of a second official language. According to Mr Akayev, a relevant amendment to the Constitution could be passed in September.
President Putin also met with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin. Mr Putin and Mr Voronin discussed issues related to the settlement of the Transdnestr problem and bilateral trade and economic cooperation.