Korea, Kyrgyzstan mark 20th anniv. of ties

By Park Si-soo

This year marks Korea’s 20th anniversary of forging diplomatic ties with Kyrgyzstan.

To celebrate the memorable moment, President Lee Myung-bak pledged to further develop the countries’ ties in an exchange of messages with Kyrgyzstan President Almazbek Atambaev, the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement Tuesday.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction that relations between the two countries have developed steadily since the 1992 opening of diplomatic ties, and agreed to work closely together to further boost the relationship.

Lee also hoped for continued development of the Central Asian nation under Atambaev, who took office in December, according to the statement.

Atambaev expressed gratitude for South Korea’s support and cooperation with his nation and shared his hopes that cooperation will expand, it said.