Speaker Tursunbekov meets with Assistant Secretary General of UN Cihan Sultanoglu

BISHKEK, Aug. 24. 2017 / Kabar /. Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament Chynybai Tursunbekov met on Thursday with Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, UNDP Deputy Administrator, Head of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and Central Asia Cihan Sultanoglu, the press service of the Parliament reported.

The sides discussed the expansion of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and UNDP. They also exchanged views on strengthening parliamentary democracy, fighting corruption and reforming the judicial system.

Tursunbekov expressed gratitude to the UN system for supporting the country, which is also aimed at promoting sustainable development.

The Kyrgyz Speaker briefly focused on the current socio-political situation in the country. "We are expecting a great political event - the presidential elections. Undoubtedly, Kyrgyzstan is confidently moving along the path of development of parliamentary democracy, and this is primarily to ensure a fair election process. I think that the upcoming elections in October 2017 will be held transparently and meet all international standards," he added.

Tursunbekov also informed the interlocutor of the planned projects, both country and parliamentary. "As you know, a long-term Strategy for Sustainable Development of Kyrgyzstan until 2040 has been developed. One of its important components is the high-tech national Taza Koom project, which aims to promote the principles of e-government and the open community. Also, within the framework of strengthening the institution of parliamentarism, the Strategy of Sustainable Development of the Jogorku Kenesh has been adopted until 2021 and we hope for assistance from UNDP in its implementation," the Speaker said.

In turn, the UN Assistant Secretary General said that the UN system intends to further develop and deepen relations with the Kyrgyz Republic. "Kyrgyzstan is the only country in Central Asia that has chosen a parliamentary system of government. This is very important and valuable for us. We understand that it takes a lot of time for the development of parliamentarism and is ready to render all-round support to the Jogorku Kenesh," she stressed.

Sultanoglu said that the further sustainable development of parliamentary democracy is directly related to the level of the electoral process and confirmed the willingness of the UN system to work together to further improve it.