Kyrgyzstan negotiates deployment of Russian military base on Kyrgyz-Tajik border
By Kamila Aliyeva
Kyrgyzstan is negotiating the deployment of a Russian military base on the border with Tajikistan.
This was announced by Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sapar Isakov in an interview with the Russia’s RIA Novosti on October 2.
"Consultations on the issue of the deployment of another Russian base in Kyrgyzstan have been held at the level of the relevant ministries. Kyrgyzstan believes that it is necessary to deploy a military base in the south in order to ensure security not only inside the country, but also in the region as a whole. But so far we do not have a final decision on both sides. Negotiations are still underway on this matter," he said answering the question about the possibility of placing another Russian base on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.
In addition, Isakov added that effective cooperation with terrorism requires deep cooperation within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) framework.
"The presence of a military unified base is an important argument that holds back the situation on the border of Afghanistan with Tajikistan. And effective interaction of special services also does," the prime minister said.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has previously informed that the combat readiness of Russian military bases in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan is being increased. He also noted that it is equipped with modern weapons to prevent the transfer of terrorist activity from Afghanistan to the Central Asia. He went on to add that Russia regularly holds joint military drills with the Central Asian countries
During the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Kyrgyz counterpart Almazbek Atambayev held in Bishkek on February 28 the sides discussed military issues.
Russian leader noted that the Russian military presence in Central Asia is crucial for regional stability. But Moscow is ready to leave at the first request after it helps to strengthen the Kyrgyzstan army to be capable of maintaining security on its own, he added.
The Russian military came to Kyrgyzstan at the beginning of the 2000s following an urgent request from the country’s authorities, who faced an international terrorism threat from militants infiltrating the country from Afghanistan.
The main Russian military facility in the country is the Kant Air Base, housing Su-25 ground attack planes and Mi-8 military transport helicopters. The air force at the base is a part of the Collective Rapid Reaction Force, the joint task force of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
---
Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz