On June 4, 2021, the 18th meeting of the Kyrgyz Republic-European Union Cooperation Council was held via videoconferencing. The delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic was led by Mr. Ruslan Kazakbaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, the European delegation was led by Mr. Augusto Santos Silva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, currently holding the EU presidency.

The issues of bilateral cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union, including in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, were discussed in a confidential manner. Attention was focused on the upcoming political contacts at high and highest levels, as well as the upcoming signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and the EU. The importance of organizing and holding the First EU-CA Economic Forum in Bishkek in 2021 was especially emphasized.

The issues of the development of trade and economic ties, regional security, including the peace process in Afghanistan, the fight against terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking were discussed separately. The parties exchanged views on border management issues, on the events at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border and on the environmental situation at Kumtor.

The meeting also discussed the rule of law, democratic processes, civil freedom, human rights, reforming the public sector of the Kyrgyz Republic, ecology and environmental protection, economic reforms, the implementation of judicial reform, elections to the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2021, and the fight against corruption.

Minister R. Kazakbaev thanked the European side for political support and project and program assistance provided to the Kyrgyz Republic.

Minister A. Santos Silva commended the efforts of Kyrgyzstan in the development of democracy and thanked the country for its commitment to a diplomatic approach in resolving bilateral and regional issues and for the country's contribution to the peace process in Afghanistan.

The parties expressed their readiness and interest to further build up the entire range of bilateral cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the EU, including within the framework of the EU Multi-Annual Indicative Program and the Regional Indicative Program for 2021-2027.