Jeenbekov and Lajčák discuss interaction between Kyrgyzstan and OSCE

Bishkek, Apr. 9, 2019 / Kabar /. Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov met today with OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák.

The President’s press service reported that Jeenbekov and Lajčák discussed the issues of interaction between Kyrgyzstan and the OSCE, as well as bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia.

The head of state, welcoming Miroslav Lajčak, congratulated the entire Slovak people on the election of the new president of the Slovak Republic, Zuzana Chaputova.

“Slovakia showed the highest example of democratic elections, we wish further success to your President and country. We are ready for the comprehensive development and deepening of bilateral relations,” said Jeenbekov.

The head of state noted that from the first days of independence, Kyrgyzstan felt the continued support and assistance of the OSCE, especially in the development of the electoral process and freedom of speech in the country. He stopped at the activities of the OSCE Academy, calling it a unique project, which should continue to deepen and expand.

“We are firmly committed to the democratic path of development of the country, strengthening parliamentary democracy, carrying out a tough fight against corruption, protecting human rights and freedoms, as well as freedom of speech. They are determined to hold democratic, fair, open parliamentary elections in 2020,” said Jeenbekov and expressed interest in working with the ODIHR to organize relevant work for the success of the upcoming elections to the Kyrgyz Parliament.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office expressed satisfaction that his visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of the beginning of the activities of the OSCE field mission in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Jeenbekov and Lajčák also exchanged views on socio-economic cooperation within the framework of the OSCE and the European Union.

In conclusion, the head of state stressed that Kyrgyzstan does not intend to reduce the pace and level of interaction with the OSCE and is ready to further strengthen it.