On December 8, 2021, in Tashkent, Ruslan Kazakbaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic met with Ms Terhi Hakala, Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia.

At the beginning of the meeting, Minister R. Kazakbaev informed about the successful holding of elections to the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic under the new system with wide participation of international observers.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the main topics of the bilateral agenda and plans for the medium term. They emphasized the importance of the early signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and the European Union.

The parties discussed agreements on organizing mutual visits at the highest and high levels in 2022.

They also exchanged views on the current situation in Afghanistan and the possibility of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere to provide support to the Afghan people, including through educational projects in Kyrgyzstan.

The parties continued consultations on the opening of the European University in Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan.

Minister Kazakbaev expressed gratitude to Special Representative Hakala for her personal contribution to the preparation and holding of the First European Union - Central Asia Economic Forum on November 5, 2021 in Bishkek.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed their intention to continue strengthening relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and the EU in all areas of mutual interest.