Bishkek ready for SCO summit

With its updated infrastructure, cozy environment and tightened security, Bishkek -- capital city of Kyrgyzstan -- is ready for Friday's spectacular summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The Kyrgyz capital is the host city for the 13th meeting of the Council of Heads of the SCO member states, which is scheduled for Friday. Being a caravan stop of the ancient Silk Road extending from China to Europe, Bishkek, founded in 1825, is fairly a youngster compared with other neighboring cities. The capital city, which means churning to make fermented mare's milk in Kyrgyz, is now offering foreign guests with its national drink, mare's milk, as well as its cultural and historical legacy. The highway, connecting Manas international airport with the capital, was decorated with colorful traditional paintings, showing a warm welcome of the host to their friends. In preparations for the SCO summit, all major streets in the downtown area, including the Chuy avenue and Manas Avenue, have been decorated with SCO posters and billboards. Maksatbek Dyikanov, Deputy Minister of Communications and Transport, said that a number of streets in the city have been refitted since the beginning of this year. All projects have been finished on the eve of the summit. With colorful lights and blooming flowers, Bishkek is now dressed like a park. Besides upgraded infrastructure and a comfortable environment, the organizers have also made great efforts to ensure the security of their guests. According to the interior ministry, some 5,000 policemen and security officers will be deployed during the summit. Among them, 3,000 have already been laid out. With its growing regional and international influence, the SCO summit attracts hundreds of reporters to cover the event. The organizers offered free internet service and computers use in the press center. Eynagul, a student who just finished her study in China, said she was proud of her country as the host of the summit. "I'm sure kyrgyzstan will host this summit successfully," she told Xinhua.