The first bilateral consultations between Global Affairs Canada and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic were held in Ottawa, Canada, on June 12, 2018. The delegations of Canada and the Kyrgyz Republic were led respectively by Alison LeClaire, Senior Arctic Official and Director General for Circumpolar Affairs, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, and Ulan Djusupov, the Director of the Second Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The two sides welcomed the bilateral inter-MFA consultations held for the first time in the history of Kyrgyz-Canadian relations as an important foundation for deepening cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

During the consultations, held in the atmosphere of friendship, mutual understanding and openness, representatives of the foreign ministries of the two countries discussed the current state of, and prospects for, the development of relations between the two countries, including ways to expand and deepen the Kyrgyz-Canadian partnership. They also exchanged views on current regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The delegations expressed interest in strengthening cooperation between Canada and the Kyrgyz Republic, bilaterally and multilaterally. They discussed the current bilateral relationship as well as potential areas for increased cooperation, including in the field of governance. They also discussed opportunities for collaboration relating to climate change and water management. The delegations noted that multilateral cooperation remains a strong point for Canadian-Kyrgyz relations, and that they would seek new ways to expand this part of the relationship.

The Canadian side noted that the Kyrgyz Republic is an important partner in Central Asia and expressed its support for the efforts of the Kyrgyz Republic to develop the national economy. Given the shared principles of both countries of maintaining democratic development and freedom, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all segments and categories of the population, including gender equality, tolerance, respect for freedom of religion and diversity of cultures, the parties expressed interest in cooperation and exchange of experience in democratic practices and parliamentarism.

The Kyrgyz side stressed the importance for the Kyrgyz people of the competitive presidential elections held on October 15, 2017, which the OSCE noted contributed to the strengthening of democratic institutions by providing for an orderly transfer of power.

The delegations noted the importance of working toward stronger cooperative ties in Central Asia. They noted that there remained a number of avenues that could be explored to strengthen relations between Canada and the Kyrgyz Republic, including through engagement in regional forums.

The heads of delegations confirmed their intention to make efforts to develop bilateral relations in the field of culture, education, science, art, tourism, sports.

Canada and the Kyrgyz Republic emphasized the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship, and looked forward to the next round of political consultations in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

Ottawa, June 12, 2018