16:05, 16 июня 2026, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Aizada KUTUEVA
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev met with Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), who arrived in Kyrgyzstan on her first official visit.
The Cabinet Chairman warmly welcomed Kate Forbes and emphasized the Kyrgyz Republic’s full support for the International Federation’s noble mission. He noted that in the era of modern global challenges, military conflicts, and climate change, the role of the world’s leading humanitarian organization is more vital than ever.
During the conversation, Adylbek Kasymaliev recalled the historic event of Kyrgyzstan’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
«Through the Security Council, we intend to advance issues of peaceful and sustainable development, strengthening the role of preventive diplomacy, the climate agenda, and responding to natural disasters and epidemiological threats at the global level. In this work, we count on the active support of the authoritative international organization you lead,» he emphasized.
Moving on to the bilateral agenda, the parties noted with satisfaction the sustainable and constructive nature of the partnership between the Kyrgyz Republic and the IFRC. Adylbek Kasymaliev expressed sincere gratitude for the emergency assistance provided by the Federation during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for the ongoing support of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic in eliminating the consequences of natural disasters (mudflows, floods).
The Kyrgyz side expressed deep interest in learning from the IFRC’s best practices for the effective implementation of the Law «On International Emergency Assistance» and adapting its mechanisms to best international practices. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the supporting role of the National Red Crescent Society of the Kyrgyz Republic, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
An important topic of discussion was the development of the volunteering movement, especially relevant during the declared International Year of Volunteers.
Adylbek Kasymaliev informed about the Law «On Volunteering Activity» adopted in Kyrgyzstan and announced an initiative to develop a national volunteering development program, including the creation of coordination centers and a unified digital platform, expressing hope for methodological support from the International Federation.
Particular attention was paid to promoting the mountain agenda. The Cabinet Chairman noted that Kyrgyzstan has consistently defended the interests of mountain countries at the UN for over 30 years, which has declared 2023-2027 the Five Years of Action for Mountain Development. Adylbek Kasymaliev invited Kate Forbes to personally participate in the Second Global Mountain Summit Bishkek+25, which will be held in the Kyrgyz Republic in October 2027.
In turn, the President of the IFRC praised Kyrgyzstan’s efforts in disaster risk management, volunteer sector development, and the promotion of climate initiatives, reaffirming the International Federation’s commitment to deepening comprehensive humanitarian cooperation.