A defining feature of this process has been the high level of trust between President Ilham Aliyev and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov. Regular reciprocal visits and sustained political dialogue have elevated bilateral cooperation well beyond the framework of traditional diplomatic engagement. At the time, President Ilham Aliyev stated: "We have just signed documents that will in many respects predetermine the future development of our relations. President Sadyr Japarov, in turn, emphasized: "The signing formalizes the profound nature of bilateral strategic relations we have established between our countries." We have been informed that more than 40 applications have been submitted to the Fund for realization of investment projects in Kyrgyzstan," President Ilham Aliyev said.