20/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - New €184 million aid programme. On 17 November, the European Union and the Republic of Kyrgyzstan signed a €184 million development programme for the 2014-2020 period. The funding will focus on Kyrgyzstan's democratic transition and socio-economic process - the rule of law (with a sectoral allocation of €38 million), education (€72 million) and rural development (€72 million). A further €2 million will be allocated in support measures. During the Cooperation Council on 18 November, the EU called on the government of Kyrgyzstan to continue its reforms leading to transparency, independence of the judicial power, inter-ethnic reconciliation and respect for human rights. The Cooperation Council reaffirmed the two parties' commitment to strengthen their relations in a certain number of cooperation areas. (CG)