Russia and Kyrgyzstan on Friday set up a joint venture to supply jet fuel to a U.S. military airbase outside the capital, Bishkek.
The venture, Gazpromneft-Aero-Kyrgyzstan, was established by Kyrgyzstan's Manas state-controlled fuel supply company and Russia's Gazpromneft-Aero.
In early February, Kyrgyzstan and the United States signed an agreement on jet fuel supplies to the U.S. airbase, replacing previous deals with a more transparent system.
The Manas base, officially known as Manas Transit Center, located at Kyrgyzstan's main civilian airport outside the capital Bishkek, is a vital transit point for the U.S.-led military operations in Afghanistan.
The base was opened in December 2001 and has hosted forces from several other countries serving in the International Security Assistance Force.
BISHKEK, February 18 (RIA Novosti)
