17:28, 03 июля 2024, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Meerimai ALYBEKOVA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis, held negotiations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubaev in Cholpon-Ata city as part of his official visit to Kyrgyzstan.
The official noted that Ignazio Cassis’s first visit to the country will give impetus to the further development of bilateral relations. He emphasized that for 32 years Switzerland has been and remains a reliable friend and partner of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Ignazio Cassis was told about the reforms and the current economic development of the republic. The current cooperation program covers projects for 80 million Swiss francs and areas such as inclusive and sustainable economic development, human rights, governance and service provision, as well as climate change and water resources.
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation told that a draft cooperation program for 2025-2028 is being developed.
In 2023, trade turnover between the states reached $1.1 billion, and the parties need to maintain this figure, as well as take measures to further increase mutual trade.
Jeenbek Kulubaev
The parties also agreed on the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, as well as on a business forum in Switzerland.
In terms of investment partnership, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited Swiss companies to Kyrgyzstan, especially emphasizing that the Swiss company Sut Bulak has been successfully operating in Issyk-Kul region since 1996, producing high-quality products under Dairy Spring brand.
The Swiss side was proposed to intensify cooperation in the banking sector, in terms of establishing correspondent accounts between the countries’ banking institutions.