Russia offered financial support to two ex-Soviet states on Tuesday and secured military favors in return, a day after former Cold War ally Cuba secured renewed assistance from Moscow.
Despite devaluing the rouble, falling oil prices and a collapse in its domestic stock market, Moscow still offered support to three countries that will pit it against the interests of the United States.
The announcements will dampen optimistic hopes that last week''s conciliatory Davos comments on both economics and defense by powerful Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin marked a change in Moscow''s combative stance toward the West.
Kyrgyzstan''s President announced his country would shut the United States Manas military airbase near the capital Bishkek that provides what the Pentagon says is a "hugely important" logistical support for its operations in Afghanistan.
"Kyrgyzstan''s government made a decision to finish the term of the presence of the base ... we are starting concrete actions to close the base," Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said after talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow.
The strategic significance of the base, opened after the 9/11 attacks, has increased in recent months as Washington sought to shift its resupply chain away from Pakistan, where convoys face security risks.
Bakiyev made the announcement after securing a $2 billion loan and a further $150 million in aid for the impoverished country from Moscow.
Just before the announcement, the Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said the United States hoped to keep the base open and acknowledged the significance of financial support to the deal.
Islamic banking and finance is emerging in CIS member nations
Emomali Rahmon holds meeting with Tajiks living in Italy
Deputy head of Shahritous district detained on suspicion of bribery
Precious metals and gems account for 48.5% of Tajikistan’s total exports in Q1 this year
Tourism Development Committee releases the 2nd report on the risk of plague; this time, it says the risk is minimal
Eight members of Tajik opposition group detained in Rome
Tajikistan-Italy investment forum result sin signing of contracts worth more than US$160 million
Emomali Rahmon meets with WeBuild Group CEO in Rome to discuss the progress of construction of Roghun HPP
The population of Central Asia expected to exceed 1000 million by 2050
Tajikistan authorities warn about the risk of appearance of the plague in the country
All news
Авторизуйтесь, пожалуйста