Kyrgyz deputy FM discusses situation in Afghanistan with EU Special Rep for Central Asia

Bishkek, Sept. 7, 2021. / Kabar /. First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Nuran Niyazaliev met with European Union's Special Representative for Central Asia Teri Hakala. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic said that the meeting took place in Brussels. The meeting was also attended by Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the EU, Ambassador Muktar Dzhumaliev and Head of the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, Ambassador Eduard Auer. During the conversation, the sides discussed topical issues of Kyrgyz-European cooperation, as well as interaction within the framework of the regional format. A constructive exchange of views took place on the current project activities of the European Union in Kyrgyzstan, as well as on new projects, including within the framework of the Multi-Year Indicative Program being developed for the period 2021-2027. The European Union expressed its firm readiness to continue to provide comprehensive assistance and support to the Kyrgyz Republic in the implementation of the reforms being carried out in the country. Regarding interaction in a regional format, the interlocutors touched upon issues related to the situation in Afghanistan, including the provision of humanitarian and other assistance to ethnic Kyrgyz living in the Big and Small Pamirs. The European side welcomed the decision of the Kyrgyz authorities to provide 500 visas to Afghan students to study at the country's higher educational institutions. In addition, the sides discussed the issues related to bilateral high and high-level visits this year, as well as joint preparations for the First EU-CA Economic Forum, scheduled for November 5, 2021 in Bishkek. Niyazaliev thanked the European side for the assistance provided in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, as well as assistance in obtaining vaccines through the COVAX program and expressed hope for the delivery of the next batch in the near future.