Kyrgyz FM, EU High Rep Borrell discuss new cooperation agreement

BISHKEK. Nov 16 (Interfax) - Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell have discussed the signing of a new cooperation agreement, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry's press service said on Wednesday.

"Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev has met with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. The meeting addressed current items on the bilateral agenda related to further expansion of the partnership and cooperation and the signing of a respective framework agreement," the press service said.

The sides agreed to keep working on broader cooperation in trade, the green economy, digital transformation, migration, education and innovations, the press service said. Measures to facilitate employment of Kyrgyz citizens in EU countries and to liberalize the visa system were discussed, too.

"The sides hailed the progressive development of Kyrgyz-European relations and compared their stances on the arrangement of mutual visits. The heads of foreign political agencies also exchanged views on regional and global affairs, including security issues," the press service said.

Negotiations on a new agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union began in 2017. The sides initialed the new document in July 2019. It is expected to replace the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which took effect in 1999. The new agreement will highlight political cooperation, trade, investments, economic cooperation supporting sustainable development, and other aspects of bilateral relations.

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev told reporters on July 27 that Kyrgyzstan was hoping to complete the drafting of an enhanced partnership agreement with the EU by the end of this year.