European Union might increase the funding of projects in Kyrgyzstan - Erlan Abdyldaev

Brussels, Feb 16 / Kabar /. The European Union might increase the funding of projects in Kyrgyzstan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Erlan Abdyldaev told reporters in Brussels on the results of the first day of President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev’s working visit to Belgium.

The Foreign Minister said that the Kyrgyz President held a number of meetings with heads of the European Institutions.

"Atambayev met with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, the European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. During the talks the sides touched upon the issues of political relations, deepening of trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. I would like to mention a good mood and atmosphere of these negotiations. At all three meetings the representatives of the EU praised the results and promotion of Kyrgyzstan on the path of democracy. They also highly assessed last elections and referendum in Kyrgyzstan. For our part, we gave the appropriate explanations and they were positively evaluated. I can cite the words of Donald Tusk: "President Atambayev is the architect of a unique democracy in Central Asia. The President is the guarantor of democracy”. "Almazbek Atambayev replied him that the guarantor of democracy in Kyrgyzstan is the people," Abdyldaev said.

The Foreign Minister stressed that during the meeting with Juncer, the relations between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic will only increase.

"Political support will be strengthened and economic and trade relations to be promoted by attracting investment. He also spoke about the grant support to Kyrgyzstan in the framework of multi-year projects. The European Union will allocate EUR 184 million for various projects from 2014 to 2020. Today, at the meeting it was noted that this support will increase," he said.

Abdyldaev said that two documents have been signed today, the first one EUR13 million is for continuation of reforms and the rule of law.

"Second, in the amount of EUR 10 million will be directed to the development of the country. Jalal-Abad region is chosen as a pilot project. Major funds will be used to provide clean drinking water to the population in regions. The President asked to implement this project in all the regions, the European side has agreed," Minister Abdyldaev said.