(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced plans to explore the construction of Kyrgyzstan’s inaugural nuclear power plant, signaling a deepening energy partnership between the two countries.

Speaking in Bishkek during talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Putin highlighted the potential use of advanced small modular reactor technology in the project.

"Rosatom (Russian nuclear industry company) is implementing a large-scale reclamation program for uranium mining sites (in Kyrgyzstan). The possibility of constructing the republic's first nuclear power plant using advanced Russian technology—small modular reactor technology—is being explored, which, I emphasize, meets the most stringent safety and environmental protection requirements," Putin said.

The Russian leader also confirmed plans for a large-scale solar power project in the Issyk-Kul region of eastern Kyrgyzstan and a modern combined heat and power plant in the country’s north.

Bilateral Deals on Trade and Strategic Partnership
During his state visit, Putin said that Moscow and Bishkek are preparing to sign a series of agreements covering trade, economics, education, and migration.

A “joint policy statement” is ready for signing, outlining priorities to bolster the strategic partnership. "The agenda for our talks is quite extensive," Putin said, noting that the intergovernmental documents set out “key objectives” for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

He emphasized Russia’s commitment to the relationship, saying bilateral ties are advancing “based on mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests.” "My colleagues and I are very pleased to be in friendly Kyrgyzstan," he added, noting that his visit precedes a Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) meeting of its Collective Security Council.

Trade in National Currencies
Putin also stressed that about 97% of transactions between Russia and Kyrgyzstan are conducted in their national currencies, with both nations exploring new arrangements for “mutual settlements.”

"Russia is Kyrgyzstan's leading trade and economic partner. Last year, trade turnover increased by 13.6% to a record $4.1 billion. It also increased by another 17% between January and September," Putin said, adding that Russian investments in Kyrgyzstan now total nearly $2 billion.

Meanwhile, Japarov reported that the number of Russian companies operating in Kyrgyzstan rose to 1,800 last year.

Putin arrived in Bishkek on Tuesday. According to a Kyrgyz presidential statement, the leaders will focus on expanding trade and economic ties, investment and industrial cooperation, military-technical collaboration, cultural and humanitarian projects, and regional security.

The visit coincides with the upcoming CSTO summit in Bishkek on Nov. 27, bringing together Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.

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