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Sadyr Japarov calls for peace in Ukraine. Speech of President of Kyrgyzstan

The second European Union — Central Asia summit began in Cholpon-Ata city with the participation of the heads of the region and the President of the European Council.

Opening the meeting, Sadyr Japarov said that cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union has significant potential to achieve the common goals of peace, stability, development and prosperity.

The head of state noted that several important events have been held in European Union — Central Asia format since the first meeting in Astana: these are the Samarkand Conference on Сonnectivity, the second Economic Forum, which was recently held in Almaty, as well as the high-level Conference on the Environment and Water Resources.

«It is a pleasure to emphasize that the first European Union — Central Asia Economic Forum, held in Bishkek in November 2021, gave a successful start to a new platform for multilateral cooperation to work out innovative and pragmatic ways to develop our trade and economic ties, create conditions for rapprochement and work of business circles. Speaking in general about our Central Asian region, about its great potential and excellent development prospects, I would like to draw attention to the following points. It will be a great advantage for the countries of Central Asia to form our region as a single geo-economic space in which all kinds of economic cooperation and interaction are successfully formed,» Sadyr Japarov said, noting that the growth driver for the economies of Central Asia is the development of regional transit, transport, and logistics potential.

The President stressed that this is what stimulates integration into the global economy and ensures connectivity within the region. The strategic project on the construction of China — Kyrgyzstan — Uzbekistan railway is of particular importance for the country and other neighboring countries of the region.

«Implementation of this megaproject will bring our region out of the transport impasse, connect about 4 billion people, expand the geography of transportation from Asia through Turkey to Europe, the Middle East, Iran, the Persian Gulf and North Africa. Taking into account global trends, it is important for our region to become a geopolitical intermediary through which favorable interaction of world centers of influence is carried out. Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union has significant potential to achieve our common goals of peace, stability, development and prosperity. The strategy of the European Union on Central Asia and the EU Global Gateway initiative could become the basis for further expansion of multifaceted interregional cooperation,» the head of state stressed.

The results of the study of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on sustainable transport corridors between Europe and Central Asia are expected in the near future, which will also serve as the basis for close work in the coming years, the president said.

«Central Asia, with its strategic location, has great potential for the renaissance of the Great Silk Road, which will allow it to become a hub connecting Europe and Asia. There is no doubt that this will bring mutual benefits to both our regions. For the practical implementation of the initiative on sustainable transport links, the heads of government and the vice president of the European Commission at the forum in Almaty reached an understanding on the priority of agreeing on a roadmap to attract investment in the development of transport infrastructure with the active involvement of the financial potential of European public and private partners. In this regard, in order to effectively promote this area of cooperation, I am making a proposal to create a permanent platform for interaction in the European Union — Central Asia format at the level of heads of transport structures,» Sadyr Japarov said.

Despite the acute geopolitical situation in the world and the emergence of new challenges, the economy of Central Asia turned out to be quite stable and continues to develop. Analysts of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are revising their previous forecasts for the growth of the economies of the Central Asian countries upward.

Sadyr Japarov

He noted that, according to updated forecasts, the region’s economy is expected to grow by 4.8 percent this year. At the same time, the average annual economic growth rate of the Central Asian countries over the past 20 years amounted to 6.2 percent. Mutual trade between the countries of the region is developing at a faster pace than the foreign trade.

«We have firm intentions to further expand trade and economic relations with the European Union, the potential of which is far from being exhausted, and the GSP+ program is one of the effective mechanisms for its strengthening and development. Given the high standards and requirements for products in the European Union, we need advanced experience, technology and knowledge. In this regard, along with the provision of technical support, we are grateful for many years of cooperation in the field of education through programs such as Erasmus +. I would like this program to pay more attention to technical professions,» the President continued.

Touching upon the trade cooperation with the European Union, the head of the Kyrgyz Republic noted that over the past year, the trade turnover of Kyrgyzstan with the EU countries increased by 76.1 percent and reached $603.1 million, including exports increased by 60.6 percent, totaling $75.8 million, and imports by 78.6 percent, which is $527.3 million.

Sadyr Japarov stressed that in the near future, Kyrgyzstan seeks not only to work on increasing trade, but also on equalizing the trade balance.

At the same time, we treat with understanding the concerns and requests of our European partners regarding a certain group of goods subject to sanctions, and we are ready to continue the dialogue with the EU on this issue.

Sadyr Japarov

As Sadyr Japarov noted, European Union projects are closely linked to the national development priorities and make a significant contribution to the efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.

The head of state reminded that at the first meeting in Astana he spoke about the importance of the EU regional projects within the framework of the Regional Indicative Programme.

«Today I would like to indicate our support for the European Union’s Team Europe initiatives in the field of digitalization, water, energy and climate change. Digital transformation has become one of the main priorities of the country over the past years. We strive to rethink and better shape our future. We believe that an inclusive, sustainable and stable digital transformation can enable us to keep up with the latest technological achievements, be more competitive and embark on an accelerated path of development. These our aspirations are already reflected in the conceptual government documents. We look forward to multiplying this success together with the European side within the framework of existing projects in the field of digitalization and expansion of satellite communications. Power industry is our other priority. As you know, the Kyrgyz Republic is located at the source of the rivers of the Central Asian region, and the country’s total hydropower potential is 142.5 billion kilowatt-hours. At the same time, only 13 percent of the total potential has been developed. Due to renewable hydro resources, large hydroelectric power stations in Kyrgyzstan generate over 90 percent of green electric energy. We are working on the rational and integrated use of water and energy resources, development of energy efficiency and energy saving,» Sadyr Japarov said.

As the President noted, against the backdrop of climate change and demographic growth, the region is experiencing a gradual depletion of water and energy resources. Thus, the issues of energy security and energy efficiency have become one of the most urgent and acute not only in the region, but also on a global scale. To date, the construction of dozens of small hydropower plants has already been launched in the country. An agreement was also reached on the construction of Kambarata HPP-1 with a capacity of 1,860 megawatts together with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Implementation of this major energy project will contribute to ensuring energy stability in all three countries.

Sadyr Japarov invited all investors and partners to investment cooperation for the implementation of projects for the construction of renewable energy facilities and other green projects.

«We already see some interest from some large companies from Austria, France, Hungary, Russia and other countries. We hope to get to specific projects soon. We also need new water-saving technologies, innovative approaches and qualified specialists who could be trained in Europe,» he said.

The head of state stressed that in the past few years, nature and the population of the country have begun to noticeably feel the negative effects of climate change.

«We are witnessing the irreversible melting of age-old glaciers, which are the main source of water in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. The Kyrgyz Republic is increasingly taking part in the activities of the world community to prevent global environmental threats, and is also an active participant in international environmental processes, since climate change is acutely felt in our mountainous country. To date, issues related to environmental protection and climate change have a special status and are the most important capital of any state,» said Sadyr Japarov.

He noted that the economic and social development of the country largely depends on the success of adapting to climate change and ensuring environmental sustainability, implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and solving the main problems of preserving biological diversity and natural resources.

Sadyr Japarov recalled that the Sustainable Mountain Development resolution was adopted at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. At the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic, 2023-2027 have been declared Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions. The announcement of the five-year period opens up wide opportunities for attracting grant assistance and investments in the economy of mountainous countries, including the Kyrgyz Republic.

We also came up with the initiative to restructure the state external debt, including using the mechanism of its exchange for green economy projects.

Sadyr Japarov

In order to implement this initiative, it is planned to conduct negotiations with bilateral and multilateral donors on the use of mechanisms for «exchanging debt for development programs and implementation of projects in the field of green economy.»

Taking into account the urgency of the environmental problems of the entire region, Sadyr Japarov noted that in order to solve them, it is necessary to take consolidated measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and added that he hopes that the European Union, as one of the main development partners of the Kyrgyz Republic, will support the efforts of the Kyrgyz side.

«The Kyrgyz Republic stands for cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union on security issues and is aware of the need for a comprehensive and joint approach to solving common problems. Central Asia, like many countries in the world, faces security challenges such as terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking and border security issues. In this regard, we consider it important to continue the active implementation of BOMCA, CADAP and LEICA programs. By strengthening political cooperation with the European Union, we can strengthen our collective efforts to combat these threats. In this regard, we support regular meetings in the Central Asia — European Union format as part of a high-level dialogue on political and security issues, as well as meetings of CA — EU special representatives on Afghanistan. The issue of stability and security in Afghanistan remains important for our region. We express hope that the authorities in Kabul will be able to reach a consensus with the world community on a number of issues on the regional and international agenda so that this country can integrate into the system of full-fledged regional economic cooperation,» Sadyr Japarov said.

The head of state added that Kyrgyzstan welcomes the efforts of the international community, including the European Union, aimed at supporting the Afghan people in prevention of a humanitarian catastrophe.

«We share the world community’s concern about the problem of infringement of women’s rights to education and work in Afghanistan. In the course of bilateral contacts with representatives of the current de facto authorities in Afghanistan and as part of participation in events at international venues, the Kyrgyz Republic notes the right of Afghan women to education and work, including based on an understanding of the religion of Islam and Sharia. In this regard, we consider it necessary to approach the solution of this issue without excessive pressure, but through our own example, persuasion and constructive dialogue with the new authorities of Afghanistan. We sincerely wish peace, stability and development to the long-suffering Afghan people and in this respect we believe that they should not feel abandoned. The humanitarian aspect requires special attention and in this regard I would like to emphasize the importance of continuing the humanitarian mission of the international community,» the President stressed.

At the same time, touching upon the issues of international security, Sadyr Japarov touched upon the situation in Ukraine.

The Kyrgyz side is convinced that any conflict should be resolved at the negotiating table.

«We welcome mediation efforts and peace initiatives that contribute to the search for a mutually acceptable solution to end this war. Kyrgyzstan strictly adheres to the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of states and stands for the observance of generally recognized principles and norms of international law. In today’s joint press statement, we will instruct the Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union, Mr. Borrell, to formalize and advance the implementation of a joint roadmap to deepen ties between the EU and Central Asia. I hope that the proposals voiced in my speech on the main areas of cooperation will be taken into account in this document,» President Sadyr Japarov concluded.

Today we see profound changes taking place in the world architecture of international relations and security. We are concerned about the new armament race and the emergence of hotbeds of tension in various parts of the world. Under these conditions, for the sake of the future of new generations, we consider it important to work together to strengthen global and regional security, taking into account the interests of each country.

Sadyr Japarov

This is the second meeting of the leaders of the countries of the region and the President of the European Council Charles Michel. The first one took place in Astana on October 27, 2022.

Almaty hosted the second economic forum Central Asia — European Union on May 19, participants of which discussed the issues of deepening interregional cooperation and further steps to implement interaction between the countries of the region and the EU in three key priority areas: transition to a green economy and digital transformation, improvement of business environment in Central Asia, as well as measures to expand trade and transport connectivity.

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