Kyrgyz FM meets with EU Special Reps for Central Asia and Human Rights

Bishkek, Oct. 8, 2021 . / Kabar / . The Kyrgyz capital city of Bishkek hosted a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Ruslan Kazakbaev and Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia Terhi Hakala and Special Representative of the European Union for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore. During the meeting, the sides discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation and interaction at the international level, the press service of the Kyrgyz MFA said. Ruslan Kazakbaev elaborated on the ongoing reforms in the country, as well as the upcoming elections to the Jogorku Kenesh and noted the commitment of the Kyrgyz Republic to democratic values and the course, goals and principles established in the international legal documents to which Kyrgyzstan is a party. Eamon Gilmore noted the open and constructive nature of the Human Rights Dialogue between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union. He welcomed the invitation of international observers, including OSCE ODIHR, to the upcoming parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan on Nov. 28, 2021, and wished success in conducting the plebiscite. The sides exchanged views on measures to improve the human rights situation in the Kyrgyz Republic and the EU, including the gender agenda, freedom of expression, respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption. A special topic of discussion was the preparation of the First EU-CA Economic Forum on Nov. 5, 2021 in Bishkek.