Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a federal bill ratifying the agreement with Kyrgyzstan on Russia's Kant airbase on its territory, the Kremlin press service reported Thursday.

The Kant airbase, officially opened in October 2003, is part of the collective rapid reaction forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

More than 10 Russian Su-27 and Su-25 planes, military transport aircraft and helicopters and about 500 servicemen are deployed in Kant.

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 earlier.

"Central Asia is a very important region for us. We know that the situation is not easy there. Our military presence is necessary for us and our CIS partners," Putin said.

"Kant will make it possible to use air forces where land forces cannot shut off the route for drug traffickers," Putin said, adding he is convinced the base "will suppress terrorists and extremists."

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

The State Duma (lower house of parliament) ratified the agreement on July 8 and the Federation Council (upper house of parliament) approved it on July 13.

The agreement, which has a term of 15 years and will be extended by five years if neither side wishes to terminate it, will promote peace and stability in Central Asia and meet Russia's long-term strategic interests, the Kremlin said.

Source: Xinhua