EU ready to invest in renewable energy in Kyrgyzstan

EU Council President Charles Michel and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov discussed topical issues of enhancing bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on a wide range of issues on the global agenda, including regional cooperation.

The talks were held during the visit of the EU Council president to Kyrgyzstan's Cholpon-Ata city on June 3, 24KG reports. 

Japarov stressed that for the first time in the history of bilateral cooperation, the Kyrgyz side is hosting the visit of the President of the European Council to the country.

“We attach great importance to this fact. Only trust has developed between us and friendship has been strengthened since the country gained independence,” he noted.

In turn, Charles Michel expressed confidence that the participation of the leaders of the Central Asian countries in the event would give a new impetus to the development of relations between Central Asia and the EU.

During the talks, Michel said Bishkek can count on Brussels' help in the energy sphere.

"We are glad that you are ready to use renewable energy sources. You can count on Brussels' help, because we are leaders on the world stage in this direction," Michel assured.

The head of the European Council said that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is ready to invest in this area.

In his turn, Japarov noted that the attention of the European Union to Bishkek and the region gives additional impetus to the development and strengthening of the partnership.

Discussions between Bishkek and Brussels on the text of the new agreement have been ongoing since 2017. The new document is intended to replace the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1999.