February 1, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev today signed an agreement with Uzbekistan easing mutual visa requirements, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Visa requirements were introduced in 2000, the second consecutive year that militants of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan were accused of staging attacks in both countries.
"In accordance with the agreement, a 60-day non-visa procedure will be implemented for citizens of both countries," presidential press secretary Dosaly Esenaliev explained. "Also, Kyrgyzstan citizens will have the right to use the passports issued in 1994, or the new passports, or [just] ID cards."
Uzbek President Islam Karimov signed the agreement in December.
The agreement will come into force in about 30 days, when the foreign ministries of both countries exchange notes.