Kyrgyz FM and Turkish ambassador discuss enhancing trade and economic cooperation

Bishkek, Dec. 21, 2020 / Kabar /. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Ruslan Kazakbaev met on Monday with Ambassador of Turkey to the Kyrgyz Republic Cengiz Firat.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the results of Kyrgyz FM Kazakbaev’s visit to Turkey on Nov. 9-11, 2020. The minister noted that the past visit made it possible to make a kind of "recharge" on many issues of the current agenda of the Kyrgyz-Turkish strategic cooperation, to outline the priority areas of effective interaction in the near, medium and long term.

Turkish Ambassador Firat confirmed the deep interest of the Turkish side to further develop active cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. He noted the decision of Turkey to provide all-round assistance in the further socio-economic development of the Kyrgyz Republic.

An exchange of views took place on issues of interaction in combating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the Kyrgyz side expressed gratitude to the Turkish side for assistance in countering the consequences of the epidemic. The Turkish side confirmed that it will continue cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in the field of health and is ready to provide the brotherly Kyrgyz people with the necessary assistance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, Ambassador Firat announced the readiness of the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination (TIKA) to open, repair and equip polyclinics in the regions of Kyrgyzstan. In addition, Firat said that the minister of health of Turkey, after the end of the coronavirus pandemic, will visit the Kyrgyz Republic for the official opening of the Bishkek State Hospital of Kyrgyz-Turkish friendship with a group of business representatives in the health sector, who in turn take part in the Issyk-Kul Business Forum.

The sides also discussed issues of strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, a significant increase in trade, building up investment cooperation, implementation of projects of interest to both countries.