BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's president said on Monday that Turkey is one of the world's most powerful nations and that his country sought to establish closer ties with Ankara.

The Presidency said in a statement that Sadyr Japarov met with diplomatic envoys and the representatives of international organizations to mark the Central Asian country's upcoming Independence Day on Tuesday.

Japarov underlined that Kyrgyzstan had declared independence amid the dissolution of the Soviet Union and that Kyrgyzstan made progress by opting for independence and democracy.

He said Kyrgyzstan endeavored to create a fruitful environment for business in the country and is working on radical economic reforms, as well as improvements in its fiscal, transportation, and logistics policies, in addition to foreign trade.

The country also seeks to develop closer relations with its regional neighbors in Central Asia, along with India, Hungary, and Russia, China, and Turkey, he said, referring to the final three as the world's most powerful countries.

He thanked Kyrgyzstan's allies and partners, as well as international organizations, for their support in the country's fight against COVID-19 and its development effort.

Kyrgyzstan, which declared independence on Aug. 31, 1991, will celebrate Independence Day with a military parade to be held in Bishkek on Tuesday.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas