The Russian State Duma, or the lower house of parliament, ratified an agreement Friday with Kyrgyzstan on Russia's airbase in the Kyrgyz city of Kant, which was granted the status of a part of the collective rapid reaction forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

The agreement committed the Kant airbase to a joint mission with Kyrgyz armed forces to ensure the sovereignty and security of both nations, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.

The agreement was signed in September 2003 and ratified by the Kyrgyz parliament in May 2004.

Under the agreement, Russian nationals at the airbase will be under Russian jurisdiction with personnel and property not subject to seizure or detention. Expenses of the use of the base's joint facilities will be shared by the two countries.

The airbase, which has a defensive character, is aimed at " maintaining peace and stability in Central Asia and securing further mutually beneficial cooperation in the military field," the document says.

Earlier, Russian Air Force Commander Vladimir Mikhailov said Russia will boost the Kant base with more aircraft and personnel and renovate several airfields.

Source: Xinhua