CHOLPON-ATA /Kyrgyzstan/, August 6. /TASS/. Strengthening partnership and alliance relations with Russia is one of priorities of Kyrgyzstan’s state policy, the republic’s Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliyev said at the 8th Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum.

According to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, relations with Russia are characterized by strategic partnership and alliance, the premier noted.

"Strengthening these relations remains one of the key priorities of our state policy," he said.

Kyrgyzstan is open to expanding cooperation with Russian partners and interested in implementing new joint initiatives, Kasymaliyev added.

In its relations with Russia, the republic places special emphasis on interregional cooperation, head of the Kyrgyz cabinet noted. "It is precisely direct contacts between regions that lend practical momentum to our cooperation, enable the faster implementation of agreements, and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens," he concluded.

The 8th Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum is taking place in the city of Cholpon-Ata located on the shores of the resort lake Issyk-Kul. Representatives from dozens of companies from both countries are participating in the event. Chairman of the Board of the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund Artyom Novikov said earlier that in terms of the number of documents signed and the total value of contracts this year’s forum would significantly surpass the one held last year, which saw agreements worth around $270 mln signed.