BISHKEK, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's visit to Kyrgyzstan marks the beginning of a new stage in the development of bilateral relations, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said Friday.
Kobakhidze, who arrived in Bishkek for an official visit lasting through Saturday, is making the first high-level official visit by a Georgian delegation to Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan views Georgia as an important partner, and relations between the two countries are based on mutual trust, respect and long-term cooperation, Japarov told Kobakhidze during their talks, according to a press release issued by the Kyrgyz president's office.
Japarov expressed confidence that the Georgian prime minister's visit would give new impetus to bilateral ties and yield practical results.
Kobakhidze reaffirmed Georgia's readiness to expand cooperation in trade, economy, agriculture, tourism, culture, sports, environmental protection and other areas of mutual interest.
Particular attention was paid to transport connectivity and the development of the two countries' transit potential, while prospects for launching direct flights were also discussed, according to the press release.
Following the talks, the two sides signed a joint statement and a number of cooperation documents covering political, economic, humanitarian, educational, legal and other fields, the press release said. ■