On March 30, 2023, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Aibek Moldogaziev and U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu led a successful fifth round of Kyrgyz Republic-United States Annual Bilateral Consultations in Washington. Press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry reported.
Assistant Secretary Donald Lu highlighted the growing partnership between the two countries, building on Secretary Blinken’s fruitful February-March visit to the region and a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubaev.
The United States thanked the Kyrgyz Republic for its leadership in regional integration efforts, its upcoming role as annual co-chair of the C5+1 Secretariat beginning in July 2023.
The two countries’ representatives also discussed the successful repatriation and reintegration of 59 Kyrgyz citizens from Syria, border security and assistance, and global health security.
The United States welcomed the Kyrgyz Republic’s efforts to delimitate and demarcate its international borders as a central element of peace and security in Central Asia.
Meeting participants discussed how the two countries might simplify the visa processing and review the validity period of visas for each other’s citizens.
They also discussed the possibility of increasing employment opportunities for the citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic, including in the United States.
The Kyrgyz Republic and the United States discussed sanctions coordination and the importance of efforts to reduce the negative impact of international sanctions on the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic. Both sides shared views on further collaboration in advancing information technology and digital industries.
They also discussed the ways in which the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States can promote English language programming in the Kyrgyz Republic, including by supporting investments in English language learning and the work of Peace Corps volunteers.
The two delegations welcomed the intensification of trade and economic cooperation, including within the framework of the Kyrgyzstan-U.S. Business Council. The Kyrgyz delegation noted the importance of helping Kyrgyz banks open correspondent bank accounts with U.S. banks. Participants discussed ways to promote U.S. investment in the Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyz exports to the U.S. market, and cooperation in the field of tourism. Additionally, the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States shared perspectives on air quality improvement and clean energy goals.
The parties also touched upon the topics of freedom of the media, democracy and the rule of law.
The Kyrgyz Republic and the United States underscored the importance of a free and diverse media space, a strong and vibrant civil society, and the protection of human rights for all, including efforts to promote women’s empowerment as well as combat gender-based violence, including domestic violence — all of which are cornerstones of a healthy and thriving democracy.
The two delegations additionally discussed further collaboration on combating cybercrime and asset recovery. Participants also discussed the importance of official and non-official visits and exchanges to further bilateral understanding and cooperation.
Both sides stated their intentions to hold the next round of Annual Bilateral Consultations in Bishkek.
