Kyrgyz president proposes single tourist visa for Central Asia

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has called for stepping up efforts to introduce a single tourist visa for foreign nationals wishing to travel across Central Asian countries.

Speaking at the informal Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in Cholpon-Ata, Japarov said the initiative would help unlock the region's tourism potential, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"Our relations continue to rest on a solid foundation of cultural affinity, shared history and longstanding ties between our peoples. Cooperation in tourism also holds tremendous potential. Central Asia and Azerbaijan can offer the world the unique heritage of ancient cities, monuments of the Great Silk Road, mountain and lake landscapes, national traditions and rich cultural diversity. Kyrgyzstan has put forward an initiative to introduce a single tourist visa for foreign citizens wishing to visit the countries of Central Asia," he noted.

Japarov thanked the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for supporting the initiative.

"I hope for the continued support of my colleagues. I propose instructing our foreign ministries to intensify consultations in order to develop coordinated positions," he added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov