The official visit of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel to the Kyrgyz Republic has began today, June 3rd, in Cholpon-Ata city of Issyk-Kul region.

At the entrance to the Congress Hall of "State Residence No. 2," President Sadyr Zhaparov of the Kyrgyz Republic warmly welcomed the distinguished guest.

At the end of the handshake ceremony and joint photographing President Sadyr Zhaparov and EU President Charles Michel proceeded to the negotiation hall for talks in a closed-door format.

The sides discussed topical issues of intensifying bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on a wide range of issues on the global agenda, including regional cooperation.

Expressing his gratitude to Charles Michel, the Head of State welcomed him and acknowledged the historical significance of his acceptance of the invitation for an official visit. It marks the first-ever high-level visit of the European Union's head to Kyrgyzstan in the history.

"We attach great importance to this fact. Your personal attention to our country and the region serves as an additional motivation for further comprehensive development and the strengthening of our partnership with the European Union. The European Union is our reliable partner. Since gaining independence, trust has flourished between us, and our friendship has grown stronger," emphasized the President.

In response, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, expressed his appreciation to President Sadyr Zhaparov for the warm welcome and the high level of organization preceding the Second Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States and the President of the European Council.

He expressed satisfaction with the President's initiative to invite all Leaders from the Central Asian countries to participate in this event, expressing confidence that it would provide a fresh impetus to the development of relations between Central Asia and the EU.

Furthermore, Charles Michel underscored that the present meeting would elevate the relations between Kyrgyzstan and the EU to a new level, marking the commencement of a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

Subsequently, the negotiations will continue in an expanded format.