Kyrgyz FM asks WHO representative to assist in providing population with vaccines against COVID-19

Bishkek, Nov. 28, 2020 / Kabar/. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Ruslan Kazakbaev met with representations of UN agencies headed by the UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic Ozonnia Ozhielo.

The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, during the meeting, a thorough exchange of information and opinions on the current state and prospects of cooperation took place. Ozhielo stressed that the UN is a unique organization that can attract the experience, knowledge and resources of advanced countries and organizations to solve socio-economic problems in Kyrgyzstan.

The UN system provided information on the current activities of its institutions in the field of socio-economic development, health care, climate change, human rights, gender equality and further cooperation with the UN Secretary General's Peacebuilding Fund.

In particular, Ozhielo presented information on the current status and planned activities within the framework of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) to Kyrgyzstan. The resident coordinator said that the completion of the program is scheduled for 2022. Its total budget is USD 221 million.

During the meeting, representatives of the World Health Organization Nazira Artykova and UNDP Resident Representative Louise Chamberlain on countering the COVID-19 pandemic made presentations.

Kazakbaev, considering that Kyrgyzstan may find itself in a difficult situation due to the global shortage of vaccines against COVID-19, expressed a request to the WHO Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic to assist in the prompt provision of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic with clinically tested vaccines.

He also expressed gratitude to the UN system for the constant and unwavering support of the Kyrgyz Republic at all stages of its formation, starting from the moment of gaining independence. He assured that Kyrgyzstan remains committed to all earlier commitments and agreements. Kazakbaev said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to continue to provide all-round support for the activities of UN agencies in Kyrgyzstan.