A working meeting between Oksana Demchenko, First Deputy Governor of the Murmansk Region, and Altynai Sakeeva, Consul General of the Kyrgyz Republic in St. Petersburg, took place as part of the diplomat"s introductory visit to the region. Also participating in the meeting were Svetlana Panfilova, Deputy Governor and Minister of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region, and heads of the Murmansk Region"s executive bodies: Minister of Culture Olga Obukhova, Minister of Education and Science Diana Kuznetsova, and Acting Minister of Internal Policy Valery Fedko.
"We attach great importance to visits by representatives of diplomatic corps of friendly states, as this work contributes to strengthening friendly ties between our countries and, more generally, to mutual understanding and trust. Certainly, there are many issues of mutual interest to both the Kola Region and Kyrgyzstan. I hope your stay in the Murmansk Region will be both useful and enjoyable," the First Deputy Governor welcomed the diplomat.
In turn, the Consul General noted that her country attaches great importance to the development of trade, economic, scientific, technical, and humanitarian relations, as well as interregional ties with Russia.
"The growth of trade turnover—last year alone, it grew by 25%—testifies to the successful economic integration of our countries," emphasized Altynai Sakeeva. "Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and has direct ties with Asian countries, as well as extensive cooperation with China, which shares a border with our republic. All of this enhances Kyrgyzstan"s role as a reliable and promising economic partner for Russia. Furthermore, cooperation between our countries and regions can expand in all areas. It"s worth noting that Russian is a widely spoken language in Kyrgyzstan and has official status."
Svetlana Panfilova, Deputy Governor and Minister of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region, presented the region"s investment and industrial potential at the meeting. She briefed the Consul General on the region"s development priorities in the context of its key role in implementing state policy in the Arctic zone, as well as on federal investment projects being implemented on the Kola Peninsula.
Minister of Culture Olga Obukhova spoke about cultural events—festivals, forums, celebrations, and concerts—taking place in the region and playing a significant role in strengthening interethnic unity. Many of these events already involve Kyrgyz immigrants living in the Murmansk region. The Kyrgyz film "Paradise Under Mothers" Feet" won the Grand Prix at this year"s Northern Character Film Festival, demonstrating the great potential for cultural cooperation.
It was also noted at the meeting that education is one of the most promising and mutually beneficial areas of cooperation. The number of Kyrgyz citizens studying at educational institutions in the Murmansk region is growing. There remains high potential for cooperation in attracting applicants, student and faculty exchanges, and implementing joint research programs.
Furthermore, as the meeting participants noted, developing partnerships in the tourism sector is of great interest. Oksana Demchenko and Altynai Sakeeva confirmed that this and other areas of potential cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Murmansk Region will be considered priorities in future interactions between the two sides.
Altynai Sakeeva invited representatives of the Murmansk region to visit Kyrgyzstan and assess its openness and readiness to implement various joint projects.
/ Ministry of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region /
