Kyrgyz president, PM discuss bilateral cooperation with French ambassador

BISHKEK. Aug 20 (Interfax) - Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is hoping for the dynamic development of bilateral relations with France, the Kyrgyz presidential press service said on Tuesday, after Japarov met with outgoing French Ambassador Francois Delahousse.

"Japarov said he was confident that the dynamic development of Kyrgyz-French bilateral relations would continue in areas of mutual interest," the press service said.

Japarov noted Delahousse's substantial contribution to the development of bilateral relations and a considerable strengthening of political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation with France, it said.

He said it was important to draw French investment in tourism and hydropower projects as a way to further expand economic cooperation.

Delahousse said for his part that there was great potential for further strengthening bilateral relations.

Earlier, he met with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, the Kyrgyz government press service said.

According to Japarov, Kyrgyz-French trade grew 3.6-fold to 200 million euros in 2023. He thanked France for contributing to constructive cooperation with Kyrgyzstan.

Delahousse called bilateral cooperation mutually beneficial and said that tourism, energy, cultural and humanitarian relations were a priority.

In addition, the sides exchanged views on the establishment and operation of cultural centers.