WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The United States has made progress in talks with Kyrgyzstan on retaining the Manas air base as a key logistic center for U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

    "I think there's actually progress in dealing with the Kyrgyz on Manas," Defense Department spokesman Geoff Morrell told reporters at a press conference.

    "I don't think we have anything to announce there yet, but I think that we have been engaged in conversations with them about extending our use of that facility," said the spokesman.

    "I think we see reason for hope there, that that can be worked out," he added.

    In February, the Obama administration received an official confirmation from Bishkek on the closure of a U.S. air base in Kyrgyzstan.

    About 15,000 people and 500 tons of cargo monthly move in and out of the Manas air base, the only U.S. facility in central Asia and a key logistic center for operations in Afghanistan.

    U.S. President Barack Obama has approved the first combat deployment of his presidency, calling an additional 17,000 troops in the coming months to Afghanistan.

    The deployment will begin in May and will increase U.S. forces in Afghanistan by about 50,000 by mid-summer.

    Reports said the Obama administration has been considering a resumption of military cooperation with Uzbekistan by re-renting the Khanabad Airport to use as air base.

    But at the same time the Pentagon has kept in contact with Bishkek and made sure that the Manas air base could continue to operate normally under the existing agreement.

    After receiving official notification on the closure of Manas, the United States would have 180 days to withdraw about 1,000 military personnel who are currently deployed there.