President Lee Myung-bak celebrated the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday, pledging to further develop the countries’ ties in an exchange of messages with President Almazbek Atambaev.

In their messages, both leaders expressed satisfaction that relations between the two countries have developed steadily since the 1992 opening of diplomatic ties, and agreed to work together to boost the relationship, the presidential office said in a statement.

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. 

(Yonhap News)