Vladimir Putin on Russian and Kyrgyz political stability

Russian-Kyrgyz humanitarian cooperation has a solid foundation, i.e. the Russian language, which has received the status of a second state language in Kyrgyzstan. This was disclosed by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, as he opened a Kyrgyz culture festival in Russia at Moscow's Bolshoi Theater.

The Russian Federation hails the position of President Askar Akayev and the Kyrgyz leadership with regard to the status of the Russian language, Putin noted.

The Russian head of state also noted that expanded bilateral humanitarian contacts were made possible by that enhanced political interaction. Current political stability in our societies creates favorable conditions for reviving cultural and scientific ties, Putin stressed.

The Russian leader perceives Kyrgyz and Russian nations as long-standing partners and as very good friends. Russia knows Kyrgyz national art quite well, Putin added. According to Putin, Kyrgyzstan and Russia alike consider Chingiz Aitmatov one of their favorite writers.

Our states were inseparably linked throughout their history, Putin noted, adding that the present-day Kyrgyz culture festival was yet another opportunity to get to know each other better.

Talking about humanitarian cooperation, Putin reminded those present that about 500 Kyrgyz citizens had studied in Russia last year. These highly important contacts must be expanded still further, the Russian leader believes.

Talking to Akayev, Putin called him a world-class intellectual. This conclusion stems from the way the President of Kyrgyzstan delivered his speech, Putin explained. Unlike my own speech, which was read out by me, Mr. Akayev's impromptu speech was quite brilliant, Putin noted.

Moreover, the Russian head of state awarded the Order of Friendship to Vladimir Nefadyev, rector of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, on the Bolshoi stage.

I wish every success to the Kyrgyz culture festival in Russia, Putin said in conclusion.