"We [the Defense Ministry] received budget allocations for military aid to some countries, including Kyrgyzstan, in 2005," Sergei Ivanov said, adding that the Kyrgyz army would receive Russian mountain helicopters, small arms, and KamAZ trucks.
While in Kyrgyzstan, Ivanov will inspect the Russian air base in Kant (about 20 miles west of Bishkek). He said an additional $3.52 million had been allocated for the base this year.
When asked whether Russia planned to increase its contingent in Kant, Ivanov said: "If we have to, we could do it in a matter of two hours."
The Kant air base opened in October 2003 to enable Russian jets to provide close air support for ground units of CSTO member states (Collective Security Treaty Organization: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan) against potential security threats. However, analysts viewed the development as a strategic setback for the United States.
Ivanov said that while in Kyrgyzstan, he would highlight the two countries' interaction within the CSTO and in military training.
"Thirty-nine Kyrgyz military students are being trained in Russia in 2005 for free, with Russia covering the expenses," Ivanov said. "Students from the CSTO nations will undergo training in Russia at reduced prices. In all, more than a thousand Kyrgyz officers have studied in Russia since 1992."
