Indian Defense Minister George Fernandez met with his Kyrgyz counterpart Colonel General Esen Topoev in Bishkek on 6 November to discuss Indian assistance to the Kyrgyz military, particularly in teaching the English language. English teaching is to be provided at a special language laboratory in the town of Tokmok near Bishkek and in several locations in India. The ministers also agreed that Indian specialists in mountain fighting would provide theoretical and practical training in Kyrgyzstan. Fernandez also met with President Askar Akaev, who called for closer Indian-Kyrgyz military cooperation. The proposed areas of cooperation are covered by a 1997 bilateral agreement. (RFE/RL)