Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

I would like to begin by saying that the global meltdown has affected our bilateral trade and economic relations, as is the case with many other countries. Unfortunately, trade contracted by 30%, which is a dramatic decline. But we still have opportunities to restore our levels of trade to the pre-crisis level and go on.

There are several positive factors which can help us develop our economic ties. I expect us to take advantage of the positive trends in Russia's economy as well as the global economy, to restore and exceed prior levels.

The agencies concerned in our two countries are working in close contact; we have good prospects, big plans and promising projects for further cooperation. I believe we should discuss all this today.

Daniyar Usenov: Thank you, Mr Putin. I highly appreciate that you have found time and agreed to meet with us.

I would like to review the projects we are cooperatively implementing now.

Kyrgyzstan has already fulfilled its obligations under an agreement signed in Moscow in February 2009: 48% of the joint stock company Dastan has been assigned to Russia's State Property Management Committee (Rosimushchestvo).