Kyrgyzstan’s president Sadyr Japarov with Vladimir PutinPic: Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via Reuters
Vladimir Putin is set to visit Kyrgyzstan next week, according to reports, marking his first trip abroad since a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Kyrgyz news agency Kabar reported that the visit – expected to take place on 12 October – comes at the invitation of president Sadyr Japarov.
Mr Putin has stayed firmly in Russia since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued the arrest warrant in March over suspected war crimes.
“Bilateral negotiations” will form part of the visit, Kabar said, citing an official.
Meanwhile, Russian media reports suggest Mr Putin will head to a Russian air base in the city of Kant, east of the capital Bishkek, to mark the 20th anniversary of its opening.
Kyrgyzstan is a member of the ICC, but has been hesitant to ratify a statute which would see it obliged to arrest the Russian president if he sets foot in the country.
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