Iran deputy FM visits Kyrgyzstan

The Iranian deputy foreign minister has expressed regret over the unrest in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek during an official visit to the central Asian country.

Mohammad Reza Sheibani held separate meetings with the head of Kyrgyzstan’s interim government Roza Otunbayeva as well as interim Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbayev on Tuesday.

“The interim head of Kyrgyzstan expressed gratitude for Iran’s timely humanitarian aid and disclosed detailed plans to hold a referendum and presidential election,” the statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry read.

Sheibani stressed the need for boosting regional cooperation as the key to maintaining security in restive Central Asia and steeling the region against foreign provocations.

Extending an official invitation to the caretaker government, Sheibani said Tehran is ready to intensify bilateral ties with Bishkek.

Last month, Kyrgyzstan declared a state of emergency as anti-government protests turned violent. At least 80 protesters were killed in the unrest that ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.