Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev met in New York with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic reported.
The parties discussed in detail the agenda of bilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and the United States, as well as interaction on regional and international issues.
Jeenbek Kulubaev noted the need to strengthen practical interaction with an emphasis on trade and economic cooperation both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of regional cooperation. The importance of implementation of specific and significant projects of common interest on a regional scale was noted.
The parties highly appreciated the results of the ministerial meeting in the C5 + 1 format, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and strengthening this dialogue platform with an eye to transition to practical interaction. The Foreign Minister welcomed the U.S. decision to allocate $25 million as a new economic initiative aimed at increasing the potential of the countries of Central Asia.
As important steps to ensure economic security in the current environment, the parties expressed their readiness to intensify mutual consultations on minimizing the negative impact of international sanctions on the economy of Kyrgyzstan.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan provided detailed information on the events that took place at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.
The head of the Foreign Ministry of the Kyrgyz Republic emphasized that the illegal actions of the Tajik side are an aggressive and destabilizing action that runs counter to bilateral and multilateral agreements between the peoples of the two countries. He emphasized the importance of de-escalation of the situation and an unchanged position on resolving disputes between the two countries exclusively at the negotiating table. Jeenbek Kulubaev stressed the readiness and openness of Kyrgyzstan to any proposals that contribute to peace and stability in the region.
Donald Lu expressed readiness to continue to provide all possible assistance in expanding and strengthening bilateral cooperation. The American diplomat expressed serious concern about the growing tension in border areas, noting the importance of maintaining peace and stability for the United States and the entire world community.
Emergency situation has been introduced in Batken region. Shooting began at several sites of the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on the morning of September 16. Settlements in Leilek and Batken district came under fire. The Ministry of Health reported 198 victims, 59 people were killed. As a result of the armed conflict on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, residents of seven villages in Batken and Leilek districts, as well as Dzhekendi village in Chon-Alai district of Osh region, left their homes.
The Prosecutor General’s Office of Kyrgyzstan opened a criminal case on crimes against peace.
