Bishkek, Oct 10, SPA -- Kyrgyzstan's President Kurmanbek Bakiyev onMonday pledged that his country was ready to cooperate withneighboring Uzbekistan in fighting terrorism and religiousextremism. "Kyrgyzstan shares Uzbekistan's concern over growingthreats from religious extremism, including fromHizb-ut-Tahrir and other religious extremistorganizations," Bakiyev said in a statement. "We expresssolidarity with Uzbekistan over the necessity to step upjoint efforts in the fight against international terrorismand religious extremism that threaten regional security andstability." Bakiyev said that both sides should take additionalmeasures to stabilize the situation on the Kyrgyz-Uzbekborder. Bakiyev also said that expanding trade and economicrelations with Uzbekistan "has been, and still remains, amain priority in Kyrgyzstan's foreign economicactivities." Bakiyev's statement comes a day before a visit by U.S.Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who has praised Kyrgyzgovernment for complying with its international obligationswhen dealing with Uzbek refugees.--SPA1202 Local Time 0902 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/295314