New Delhi, 5 December 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin today left New Delhi for Kyrgyzstan, the last stop on an Asian tour that has taken him to China and India. The Russian-Kyrgyz talks are expected to focus on antiterrorism measures and stability in Central Asia and Afghanistan. Putin and Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev are expected to sign a formal declaration on cooperation in the area of security.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, who arrived in Bishkek yesterday and will join Putin for talks with Kyrgyz officials, said the situation in Central Asia remains unstable.
Russian warplanes have been arriving in Kyrgyzstan in recent days to be stationed at Kant air base as part of a planned rapid-reaction force under the CIS Collective Security Treaty.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, who arrived in Bishkek yesterday and will join Putin for talks with Kyrgyz officials, said the situation in Central Asia remains unstable.
Russian warplanes have been arriving in Kyrgyzstan in recent days to be stationed at Kant air base as part of a planned rapid-reaction force under the CIS Collective Security Treaty.