Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during an expanded-format meeting with Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev, Cholpon-Ata, June 29, 2025

Mr Kulubaev,

Thank you for inviting us to travel to friendly Kyrgyzstan on an official visit. We have discussed how wonderful it is here on Lake Issyk-Kul. Without any exaggeration, it is a pearl of Kyrgyzstan and one of the treasures of Eurasia.   

Our relations are based on the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and shared benefit. We always take each other’s interests into consideration when addressing the most difficult issues, as it should be between allies and strategic partners. In a month’s time, on July 27, we will mark the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Eternal Friendship, Alliance and Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic.

We maintain close ties in all areas. These are of special importance now, given the current difficult and radically changed international situation, where we observe an unprecedented confrontation between our country and the collective West, which has once again decided to go to war against us and inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia, using the Nazi regime in Kiev as a battering-ram.   The West has never achieved this, nor will they succeed this time. They are probably beginning to realise as much.

The strengthening of bilateral ties is instrumental in achieving the exceptional level of trust that has emerged between our presidents, as we discussed earlier. The collaboration between the prime ministers, ministries and agencies is distinguished by its high intensity. We also maintain regular contacts between our parliaments and foreign ministries.

You have mentioned the celebrations in Moscow on May 9, when we jointly marked a vitally important historic event. I am referring to the 80th anniversary of the shared Victory won by the peoples of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany. We appreciate the Kyrgyz Republic’s caring attitude towards preserving the memory of the feat committed by the multi-ethnic people of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War. The Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic made a substantial contribution to Victory. Together with you, we will cherish this memory and raise the younger generations in the spirit of respect for this greatest feat of valour. 

Today, we will discuss the state of affairs in trade, the economy, and investment. Despite the sanctions and illegitimate pressure, we observe growth in mutual trade and build up interaction in culture, education, and other areas, as well as at international venues.

Tomorrow, you will hold a meeting of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers. Taking this opportunity, I would like to commend Bishkek’s effective CSTO chairmanship.  We share your priorities and actively support their implementation.

I believe we will meet on many occasions at events held by the UN, the CIS, the EAEU, and the SCO. A positive agenda is taking shape in Eurasia. In effect, it is a Greater Eurasian Partnership that is being created there. We have a packed agenda.

Thank you once again for inviting us. I am certain that we will do much productive work today.