State-owned Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport gave Kyrgyzstan nearly $2.3 million worth of military equipment on 26 April for Kyrgyz rapid-reaction forces under the CIS Collective Security Treaty Organization (ODKB). The ceremony took place at the Russian air base in Kant, Kyrgyzstan, and was attended by Kyrgyz Prime Minister Nikolai Tanaev and Defense Minister Colonel General Esen Topoev, as well as Rosoboronexport deputy directors Anatoliy Isaikin and Aleksei Aleshin. The equipment includes firearms, ammunition, optical sites, bullet-proof vests, uniforms, and spare parts. Isaikin told journalists, \"This aid is not a one-time event.\" Minister Tanaev said that the gift \"illustrates the increasing level of bilateral ties between Kyrgyzstan and Russia in all areas.\" He went on to say that Russia is the \"center that brings together the countries in the CIS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and ODKB.\" (akipress.org)