During a discussion with the diplomats, the President emphasised the key role played by Russian cooperation with the governments of Central Asian states.
Russia cooperates extensively with Kazakhstan – one of the leaders of integration in the territory of the former Soviet Union – and the countries have many common interests in the economic and political spheres, as well as engage in joint work within various intergovernmental associations.
When speaking to the Russian ambassador to Kazakhstan, Mikhail Bocharnikov, the head of state expressed his confidence that changing the management of the Russian embassy in Kazakhstan will not cause any disturbances to the work done by the diplomatic department but rather will act as a new stimulus to cooperation between the two countries.
When speaking to the Russian ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Valentin Vlasov, the President mentioned the difficulties in the Republic and emphasised the need to provide support to the people and authorities of Kyrgyzstan, while unconditionally adhering to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Vladimir Putin reported that Russia and Kyrgyzstan have reached an agreement on strengthening intergovernmental contacts, and on providing assistance to the republic to help it implement economic projects and resolve financial problems, including with respect to cooperation with international financial organisations.
The President considers that the embassy in Kyrgyzstan will continue to work actively towards increasing cooperation, including in the military sphere. The head of state reminded that a Russian military base is located in Kant and that its task first and foremost consists in fighting against terrorist threats.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov participated in this meeting and once again described the newly appointed ambassadors as some of the most skilled employees of the Russian Foreign Ministry. According to the Minister, the Foreign Ministry will do everything possible to make their work more effective.