BISHKEK (TCA) — Russia’s Defense Ministry will provide Kyrgyzstan with two An-26 transport aircraft on August 9, Sputnik news agency reported with reference to the press service of Kyrgyz Armed Forces’ General Staff.
Russia and Kyrgyzstan agreed on a delivery of military and technical assistance worth $1 billion during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Bishkek in 2012. Russia has already equipped Kyrgyzstan with a number of armored vehicles and artillery systems free of charge.
“The ceremony for the handing over of An-26 aircraft and opening of the air technical-operational unit’s building for repairs of the Kyrgyz aircraft at the Russian airfield in the city of Kant (30 km east of Bishkek) will take place on August 9,” the General Staff’s spokesperson said, adding that a Russian delegation headed by Deputy Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Alexander Fomin will participate in the ceremony.
Under a bilateral agreement, Kyrgyzstan has hosted a Russian military base in Kant since October 2003. The base’s objective is to provide aerial protection for Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) ground operations.
In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyzstan President Almazbek Atambayev, in Moscow, signed a declaration on strengthening the cooperation and strategic partnership between the two states.
According to the declaration, the two countries will enhance cooperation in the defense and military areas, as well as technical cooperation, focusing particular attention on strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s army and law enforcement agencies.
Moscow and Bishkek will also enhance cooperation in counterterrorism and the struggle against drugs and smuggling, the declaration said.
