Putin Meets With Eurasian Counterparts Amid Multi-Sports Tournament In Kazan

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks Wednesday with his Eurasian counterparts in the Russian city of Kazan, where they were attending the opening ceremony of the Games of the Future, an international multi-sports tournament.

In the first meeting, which he held with his Kyrgyz counterpart Sadyr Japarov, Putin thanked him for accepting his invitation to the event, after which he noted that their countries' bilateral relations are developing successfully in all areas and Russia continues to be one of Kyrgyzstan's main trade and economic partners.

Japarov wished Putin success in Russia's upcoming presidential election, which will be held from March 15-17, according to a statement by the Kremlin.

Putin then held talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, highlighting the development of bilateral relations between their countries and that he was informed of the progress in work regarding cooperation in the energy sector.

Tokayev proposed holding the next edition of the Games of the Future tournament, saying he believes both the Russian and Kazakh sides are successfully working to implement agreements reached and are getting "concrete results."

In a later meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Putin drew attention to Tashkent's plans to spend $500 million on modernizing its gas transportation system in a bid to increase imports from Russia, describing this to be a "good financial base" for implementing the plans.

"A big political event is coming soon in Russia -- the presidential election…Uzbekistan is confident in your absolute victory. As we agreed, one of the first visits will be to Uzbekistan. I told my entire team that this visit should, as always, be historic and eventful in all areas. I am preparing very seriously," Mirziyoyev said.

Putin later held talks with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon, during which he said that their countries will move in "all directions" with regards to bilateral relations, especially in terms of economic ties.

Rahmon said Russia and Tajikistan practically don't have any unresolved issues, though mentioning there are "some nuances" which he said he believes they will find "mutually acceptable solutions" for. -