Kyrgyz FM and Chinese ambassador discuss opening borders for cargo transportation

Bishkek, Dec. 2, 2020 / Kabar/. Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev received Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Du Dewen, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on topical issues of Kyrgyz-Chinese cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the joint fight against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. In this context, Minister Kazakbaev expressed gratitude for the decision of the Chinese side on providing with another humanitarian aid to the Kyrgyz Republic to combat coronavirus infection, as well as for the constant support of Kyrgyzstan in the fight against COVID-19. As part of the work to ensure the protection of Chinese investments, Kazakbaev noted the importance of holding a round table with Chinese entrepreneurs on Nov. 24, during which the head of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry emphasized that the government of the Kyrgyz Republic will take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of companies and enterprises, as well as Chinese citizens engaged in labor activities in the Kyrgyz Republic. In order to increase the volume of cargo transportation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the PRC, the issues of the full functioning of the Torugart and Irkeshtam checkpoints were discussed. Kazakbaev expressed confidence that following the Dec. 1 meeting, acting Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Artem Novikov with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kyrgyz Republic Du Dewen, the sides will be able to optimize the work of the above checkpoints in the very near future. In light of the negative impact of coronavirus infection on the macroeconomic situation, the Kyrgyz minister drew the attention of the Chinese ambassador to the importance of providing assistance in alleviating the burden of external debt on the country's budget. The sides expressed their readiness to continue active practical interaction at all levels to further strengthen bilateral relations of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Kyrgyzstan and China.