On Thursday 16 February, the European Union and Kyrgyz Republic signed two financing agreements to support the rule of law and rural development in Kyrgyzstan.
Support for the rule of law amounts to €13 million, whilst the support for rural development is €10 million. This contribution comes as part of the overall support of €184 million for Bishkek for the 2014-2020 period.
These agreements are part of both sides' resolve to forge closer links. During her meeting with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Atambaev, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini thus reiterated the EU's commitment to strengthen its cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic and to support the Kyrgyz authorities in building democracy and in establishing sustainable economic growth. While highlighting the progress made on electoral reform, Mogherini underlined that it was important for the presidential election in October to be "free, fair and transparent" for the country's democratisation process. In addition, she encouraged the country to continue its policies based on the values of democracy, and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Atambaev and Mogherini also discussed Central Asia. Mogherini stated that it is important to build on positive examples of increased cooperation between the neighbouring countries of Central Asia, and she recalled the value of close and continued cooperation with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Central Asia. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)