The head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan Boobek Azhikeev met with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
The European Union was thanked for its support and cooperation in the areas of improving radiation safety, reducing the risks of disasters of both natural and man-made origin, as well as the European Commission for the financial support provided.
The parties discussed issues of partnership between the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the European Union. In particular, attention was focused on the implementation of joint projects in the field of reclamation of the uranium complex in Mailuu-Suu.
It was noted that from 2020 to 2022, the sites of the former uranium legacy in Min-Kush village in Naryn region and Shekaftar village in Jalal-Abad region were brought to a safe condition. In 2023, work began on the reclamation of the uranium complex in Mailuu-Suu.
Cooperation enables Central Asian countries to strengthen their capacity for long-term management of reclaimed heritage sites in accordance with international standards.
Josep Borrell said that the European Union would continue to provide assistance.
Recall, a project on comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact and development of a feasibility study for the reclamation of the uranium heritage complex in Mailuu-Suu was completed from 2017 to 2020 with financial support from the EU. Priority activities included the reclamation of 16 tailings dumps, including the relocation of four to a safe location, dismantling and disposal of dilapidated buildings and structures of the former uranium production, and the conservation of mines and adits.
