Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Edil Baisalov met with OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro. Press service of the Cabinet reported.
The parties discussed issues of promotion of freedom of speech and the media in Kyrgyzstan.
The official noted that the role and assessment of the OSCE in promotion of freedom of the media was very important for the democratic development of the country, and expressed readiness to continue joint constructive work to strengthen freedom of speech in the republic.
«Kyrgyzstan, as a free and democratic country, has all the conditions for the full functioning of independent media, and freedom of speech is the foundation of the life of our society,» he said.
Edil Baisalov added that protection of freedom of speech, other democratic rights and freedoms is part of Kyrgyz people’s DNA, and noted the importance of social media as «one of the main tools for formation of public opinion.»
«Everyone, whoever he or she is: a journalist, a blogger or an ordinary citizen, we must all strive for the same goal — to move towards democratic development and the rule of law. Today’s debate in our society around determining the boundaries of freedom of speech does not differ from the same discussions around the world,» he said.
Teresa Ribeiro informed about the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and noted the important role of a free press in the development of the state and democratic values.
The parties stressed the importance of effective cooperation between the OSCE and the government of the country in the field of freedom of speech, including in the context of introduction of new tools, including social media.
