The United States and Kyrgyz Republic are strategic partners in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.  This partnership has grown and flourished since 1992 when we started diplomatic relations.  Our Kyrgyz partners are vital to every part of our fourfold mission-air refueling, airlift, onward movement of forces and humanitarian assistance and developing partnerships for the long term.  We take our relationship seriously and we look forward to our continuing friendships in the future.