The meeting took place as part of the Russian Prime Minister’s working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Mikhail Mishustin and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan – Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office Adylbek Kasymaliev
Mikhail Mishustin’s conversation with Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan – Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office Adylbek Kasymaliev
Mikhail Mishustin’s conversation with Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan – Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office Adylbek Kasymaliev
Mikhail Mishustin and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan – Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office Adylbek Kasymaliev
Excerpts from the transcript:
Mikhail Mishustin: Greetings, Mr Kasymaliev. This is your first time participating in a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council as the head of the Government of Kyrgyzstan. I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to convey the best wishes from President of Russia Vladimir Putin to President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov. We look forward to the Government of Kyrgyzstan, under your leadership, continuing its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Russia across all areas.
Russia is Kyrgyzstan’s main economic partner, with our mutual trade turnover showing steady growth. The bilateral intergovernmental commission is functioning enthusiastically. Russian companies supply Kyrgyzstan with energy resources, industrial goods, and agricultural products. Additionally, we are providing support in tax administration. The Rosatom Corporation is addressing crucial tasks related to the reclamation of uranium legacy sites. We are also exploring new joint projects in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transport, geological exploration, and the digital economy. Furthermore, we are actively collaborating on initiatives in higher and secondary education.
However, there are several issues that raise serious concern. These include unfounded claims and unlawful statements made by high-ranking Kyrgyz Government officials against reputable Russian companies, which are contributing to the development of Kyrgyzstan’s economy, creating new jobs, and are among the largest taxpayers. Specific instances of illegal, sometimes extortionate, actions have been outlined in a diplomatic note from the Russian Foreign Ministry. We urge the Kyrgyz leadership to halt the administrative pressure on our companies and to ensure the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of Russian investors.
Russia and Kyrgyzstan are actively working together within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. We are enhancing economic integration, improving the quality of life for our citizens, and creating new opportunities for businesses. This is especially important amid the unprecedented sanctions imposed by unfriendly states.
I am ready to discuss with you, Mr Kasymaliev, all the current issues on our shared agenda.
The floor is yours.
Adylbek Kasymaliev: Mr Mishustin,
I am very pleased to meet you in person and as the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. Thank you for your congratulations and warm wishes on my appointment. In my new role, I look forward to working closely with you, Mr Mishustin, and I count on your support.
It is gratifying that our commitment to close cooperation between our governments is shared and supported by our esteemed presidents. Please, allow me to convey Sadyr Japarov’s greetings and best wishes to Vladimir Putin and to you personally.
It is truly rewarding to note that the bonds of friendship and strategic partnership between the Kyrgyz Republic and Russia continue to strengthen year by year. I want to assure you that I will do everything in my power to further enhance the positive momentum of cooperation that you and my predecessor as Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers have established.
Even before our meeting, we discussed the protection of the rights of Russian companies. As we have agreed, I will revisit this matter upon my return home and will update you separately on the developments.
Thanks to the support of the President of the Russian Federation, your personal attention, and your team’s efforts, bilateral cooperation is moving forward successfully across all areas: politics, economics, science, and culture. We value the current level of mutual understanding, trust, our allied ties, and our strategic partnership.
It is heartening to note that this year our fraternal nations are celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Our President will participate in the ceremonial events taking place on 9 May in Moscow in honour of this significant anniversary.
I would like to take this opportunity, Mr Mishustin, to once again extend our invitation for you to make an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic this year. We are eagerly looking forward to your visit. It is of great importance to us, and we would be honoured to align it with the 25th anniversary of signing the Declaration on Eternal Friendship, Alliance, and Partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Russia, which took place on 27 July 2000. Ahead of your visit, we could also host the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation in Bishkek.
Mr Mishustin, as you may know, Russia holds a special place for all of us, and for me personally. I shared this with Mr Overchuk: my wife and I both graduated from universities in St Petersburg, and I maintain strong connections with my university. Last year, as First Deputy, I had the opportunity to speak with students at my alma mater and to give a lecture there. We also had a very productive working relationship with your Deputy – my dear friend, Mr Overchuk.
And taking this opportunity, I would like to introduce my First Deputy to you. He previously served as the Minister of Economy and Commerce and is now in his current role as my First Deputy.
I wanted to meet with you in person today to get to know you better.
