BRUSSELS, Belgium – In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations, the Kyrgyz Republic and the European Union have signed an agreement on enhanced partnership and cooperation. The signing ceremony, which took place in Brussels, was part of President Sadyr Japarov’s working visit to Belgium.
The agreement was signed by Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeenbek Kulubaev, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis. This historic event marks a new phase of collaboration aimed at deepening cooperation in economic, technical, and cultural spheres, as well as bolstering political and economic ties between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union.
During his visit to Belgium, Sadyr Japarov met with the President of the European Council Charles Michel in Brussels. According to the presidential administration, during the negotiations, current issues of cooperation were discussed, including in the areas of economics, investment and energy.
Charles Michel emphasized the importance of further deepening cooperation based on democracy and respect for human rights. He expressed interest in joint projects in the field of energy and environmentally friendly technologies.
Sadyr Japarov noted the importance of the agreement on enhanced partnership and cooperation with the European Union, signed by all 27 member states. The President also called on European investors to cooperate in the field of rare metals and the construction of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power station.
President Sadyr Japarov, during his working visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, held significant discussions with Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis. This was reported by the press service of the head of state.
The talks focused on issues of trade and economic cooperation, attracting investments, and the implementation of joint projects in the mining industry and green economy, as well as the introduction of digital technologies and human resource development.
Valdis Dombrovskis highlighted that the signing of an agreement on expanded partnership and cooperation opens up new opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and economic projects. He emphasised the readiness to deepen economic cooperation and consider participation in large energy and infrastructure projects.
Specifically, Dombrovskis expressed interest in the construction of the Kambarata Hydroelectric Station-1 and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, noting their economic potential.
President Japarov expressed his gratitude for the support in signing the new agreement on enhanced partnership and cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union. He expressed confidence that this would strengthen the agreements reached and provide a new, modern, and ambitious legal framework for future bilateral cooperation.
The President added that Kyrgyzstan, due to its geographical location and transit potential, represents significant opportunities for trade and investment.
In addition to the implementation of joint projects, President Japarov stated that Kyrgyzstan is actively promoting the green agenda and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44 percent by 2030, with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
As part of the initiative to develop a green economy and contribute to improving the global environmental situation, President Japarov proposed considering the possibility of exchanging external debt for green projects.
An exchange of views also took place on the implementation of water resources management projects and the introduction of modern, environmentally friendly technologies in Kyrgyzstan’s mining industry.
During his visit, President Japarov engaged in high-level talks with King Philippe of Belgium and President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
In addition to these significant meetings, President Japarov also visited the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), underscoring the importance of international cooperation in emergency management and response. This visit marks a strengthening of ties and a commitment to enhanced partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Belgium, as well as the broader European Union.
