27 Oct 2022 18:12

Kyrgyz president expects political rapprochement between Central Asian nations, EU to boost infrastructure projects, investment

BISHKEK. Oct 27 (Interfax) - Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has expressed hope that political rapprochement between Central Asian countries and the European Union will bring more projects and investment, noting the importance of cooperation in a number of areas.

"We welcome the emergence of a new six-party format at the top level. We see significant potential in our interregional cooperation and hope that political rapprochement between our regions will be followed by a growth of infrastructure projects and investments," Japarov said, speaking at the first meeting of Central Asian and EU leaders.

Kyrgyzstan is interested in large infrastructure projects in the area of transport, he said, adding that it this will help develop trade and economic cooperation, both between the two regions and inside Central Asia.

"It is with optimism that we're expecting results of the studies of sustainable transport links between Europe and Central Asia being conducted by the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development. We are steadily making progress in digitalization. We have been carrying out efficient projects in this field with the European Union for several years now and are willing to continue. This is, in turn, helping our unprecedented measures to combat corruption at all levels, which, coupled with the economic reform, has favorable effects in terms of intellectual activity growth and healthy business environment creation in Kyrgyzstan," Japarov said.

Speaking at the meeting, the Kyrgyz president noted the importance of continuing EU regional projects for border control, promotion of trade and combating terrorism, illegal drugs and smuggling.

"Kyrgyzstan welcomes the efforts of the international community, including the European Union, to support the Afghan people in terms of preventing a humanitarian disaster, which can only exacerbate with the arrival of frosts. It is important for this aid to be used for its intended purpose. As a country traditionally friendly to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, abiding by the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, is interested in a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The Kyrgyz side has always been making and will make endeavors to help establish peace and stability in this country," Japarov said.