Kyrgyzstan and European Union begin negotiations on new agreement

10:09, 10 октября 2017, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Alina KOZHEKOVA

On 9 October 2017, the Council adopted a mandate for the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to negotiate, on behalf of the EU and its member states, a comprehensive agreement with the . Consilium.europa.eu reported.

The new agreement will build on the partnership and cooperation agreement in force since 1999. It will reflect the ambition of the EU and the to take forward their bilateral relations.

The partnership between the EU and the is based on the ’s commitment to undertake reforms to strengthen democracy, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, and to promote sustainable economic development. The EU has supported the in these efforts through its long term development cooperation, including support to the reform of its electoral system.

The EU expects the upcoming presidential elections in the to be carried out in line with its international obligations and commitments in terms of holding credible, inclusive and transparent elections.