Ruslan Kazakbaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, has paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates upon the invitation of his Emirati counterpart.

On March 1-2, 2022, in Abu Dhabi, Minister R.Kazakbaev held talks with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE, as well as with Mr. Ahmed bin Ali  Al-Sayegh, Minister of State Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE, on the broad agenda of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The Emirati side expressed gratitude to the Kyrgyz side for the active, high-level participation in the International Exhibition "Expo-2020" in Dubai and invited the Kyrgyz side to take part in the closing ceremony of Dubai «Expo-2020» scheduled for March 27, 2022.

The heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries stressed the need for the speedy and practical implementation of bilateral agreements reached earlier during the participation of Mr. Akylbek Zhaparov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, in the work of the International Exhibition Dubai «Expo 2020», followed by the meeting with Mr. Mohammad Abdullah Al-Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Future of the UAE.

The parties also discussed current state and prospects of development of cooperation between the two countries in the political, trade and economic, technological, investment, cultural and educational fields, as well as mutual support within the framework of international organizations.

Noting the negative impact of the pandemic on the condition of the global economy and level of trade turnover between the two countries, the parties confirmed the need and mutual desire to take active joint actions aimed at increasing the volume of trade between the two countries.

In this regard, the heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries agreed to develop a "Roadmap" of joint actions and activities aimed at the practical implementation of mutual intentions and plans, including the early holding of regular political consultations between the ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two state as well as meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission (JIC).

Taking into account the considerable experience of the UAE in the implementation of fundamental reforms in the field of public administration, digitalization, introduction of advanced technologies and innovations, the parties emphasized the importance of intensifying the work of the Joint Working Expert Group on the Intergovernmental Accelerator, as well as the Kyrgyz-Emirati Working Expert Group on the transfer of experience, “know -how" and innovative technologies.

In view of the interest of the parties to develop a number of areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, Minister R.Kazakbaev noted the importance of the early establishment of the Joint Kyrgyz-Emirati investment fund in order to support and implement projects in such areas as tourism, agriculture, energy, subsoil use, mortgage crediting of affordable housing for the people of Kyrgyzstan and etc. The parties also noted the need for the further development of passenger and cargo air transport between the two countries.

Along with the interest of the parties in expanding cooperation in the financial sector, the importance of introducing Islamic finance mechanisms was highlighted. Having informed of Kyrgyzstan’s important international initiatives within the framework of the UN such as the adoption by the General Assembly of the resolutions “Nature knows no boundaries”, “On the conservation of glaciers and biodiversity” and “On declaring 2022 the Year of Sustainable Mountain Development” while congratulating the Emirati side on the decision to hold the next COP-28 Climate Summit in the UAE, Minister R.Kazakbaev proposed to concentrate joint efforts on the development of projects aimed at the introduction of «green» economy mechanisms as well as projects in the field of environmental and climate protection.

Minister R.Kazakbaev asked his Emirati counterpart to speed up the ratification and entry into force of the previously signed «Agreement on the Transfer of Convicted Persons between the Kyrgyz Republic and UAE».

Taking into account the significant number of Kyrgyz citizens working in the UAE, as well as the strong possibility of increasing their presence in the labor market of the UAE, Minister R.Kazakbaev also submitted a proposal to the Emirati side on the possibility of introducing a visa-free regime for holders of service and general passports of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as asked to consider the possibility of creating more favorable conditions for citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic working in the UAE by the Emirati authorities.

Taking in account the high level of Kyrgyz-Emirati relations and cultural community of the peoples of the two countries, Minister R.Kazakbaev called on the Emirati partners to consider the possibility of opening centers of the Arab culture, Joint Kyrgyz-Emirati universities, schools and vocational lyceums in Kyrgyzstan.

Moreover, Minister R.Kazakbaev highlighted the interest of the Kyrgyz side in using the extensive practical experience of the UAE Government in the field of combating corruption and international terrorism.

In addition, the parties discussed the current development of the international situation in the world, including Ukraine.

At the end of the meeting, the parties raised the issues of the organization and preparation of mutual visits of the leadership of the two countries. Given the leading role of foreign ministries in the coordination of inter-state cooperation, the parties agreed to work out topical issues of bilateral relations and projects through sectoral ministries and agencies of both states.

As a result of negotiations, the parties signed the Protocol on holding political consultations and developing cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries. The Protocol signed by the parties provides for the intensification of cooperation between the two countries in the field of investment and bilateral trade, tourism, exchange of information and experience, consultations on the international agenda and trade and economic issues, as well as mutual support within the framework of international organizations.