Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov attend a joint press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 26, 2025. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks here on Wednesday, after which both leaders issued statements highlighting cooperation in trade and investment. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua)

BISHKEK, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks here on Wednesday, after which both leaders issued statements highlighting cooperation in trade and investment.

Japarov said Russia is one of Kyrgyzstan's main trading partners, accounting for 22 percent of its total trade. He noted steady progress toward the shared goal of reaching 5 billion U.S. dollars in bilateral trade in the coming years.

In the first six months of this year, he added, Russian direct investment reached 110 million dollars. As of November, more than 1,800 Russian-funded companies operate in Kyrgyzstan, making up one-third of all foreign firms registered in the country.

Citing Putin, the Kremlin said bilateral trade exceeded 4 billion dollars in 2024, setting a new record. This year, trade has continued to grow at around 17 percent, and the ruble accounts for 97 percent of commercial transactions.

The two presidents also signed a joint statement on strengthening their alliance and strategic partnership. Other bilateral documents were also signed to expand cooperation. ■

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov attend a joint press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 26, 2025. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks here on Wednesday, after which both leaders issued statements highlighting cooperation in trade and investment. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua)