The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini this morning met the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Atambaev. 

The High Representative/Vice-President and the President took the opportunity to review the state of play EU-Kyrgyz Republic bilateral relations, as well as of the reform process in the country, which is at the centre of our cooperation.

High Representative Mogherini reiterated the EU's commitment to further strengthen cooperation between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic, and to support the Kyrgyz authorities in building democracy and ensuring sustainable economic growth. The HR/VP emphasised the good progress made with regard to electoral reform, as well as the importance of free, fair and transparent Presidential elections later this year for the democratisation process in the Kyrgyz Republic.

President Atambaev briefed the High Representative on political developments in the Kyrgyz Republic and in the region. HR/VP Mogherini highlighted the need to build on positive examples of increased cooperation among neighbouring countries in Central Asia. In this context, the HR/VP also referred to the valuable work done by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Central Asia and stressed the value of continued, close cooperation with the organisation.

During discussions on human rights and social cohesion, the High Representative encouraged the pursuit of policies based on the values of democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, which are values common to both the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Background

President Atambaev will, later today, meet the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, and the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, for further bilateral consultations. Two Financing Agreements between the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic, to support the rule of law and rural development, will be signed this afternoon by the Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Erlan Abdyldaev.