Russia may write off Kyrgyzstan's debts

During the Russian President's visit to Bishkek an agreement on restructuring Kyrgyzstan's debts to Russia is expected to be signed, Kyrgyz Finance Minister Bolot Abildayev declared, Rossiya (Russia) television reported. The minister said this was to be done within an agreement with the Paris Club of creditors and Russia had been the first of its members, which decided to write off two thirds of a $59.6m debt.

Putin is to arrive in Kyrgyzstan on a one-day visit on December 5.