Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday vowed to build better relations between their countries.

"I hope that your visit will give new impetus to bilateral relations. For Kyrgyzstan, Russia is a strategic partner," Atambayev told Lavrov.

"Formerly I voted for the preservation of the Soviet Union -- but of course it is impossible to revive it now. But we can at least create a common economic space, so that citizens will not face customs, border difficulties, as in the good old days. Too many things links our nations," Atambayev said.

Lavrov said that the Kyrgyz-Russian relations go deep in history.

"In the last 20 years, we adapt to the interactions like sovereign states. Nevertheless, we remain strategic partners," said Lavrov.

Lavrov also agreed with Atambayev that it is necessary to eliminate inconveniences at the borders.

"The doors of the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Commission are always open for Kyrgyzstan," he said.

Lavrov is visiting Kyrgyzstan on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Kyrgyzstan was a former Soviet republic and became independent after the disintegration of the former Soviet Union about 20 years ago.