On September 9, 2021, in Bishkek, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Ruslan Kazakbaev met with the newly appointed Special Representative of the European Union in Central Asia Terhi Hakala during her first visit to Kyrgyzstan in her new capacity.

R. Kazakbaev informed about the current internal political situation in the country in the context of ongoing reforms and electoral processes. He also introduced the main priorities of the country's foreign policy.

T. Hakala noted the need to intensify the bilateral dialogue. She also expressed the readiness of the European Union to continue to support the Kyrgyz Republic in the implementation of the reforms being carried out in the country.

As part of the bilateral agenda, the parties discussed joint plans for organizing high-level visits, the issue of signing an Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation, as well as the EU's project and program activities in the Kyrgyz Republic and the region.

In the regional framework, the parties discussed joint work on holding the First EU-CA Economic Forum, which is scheduled for November 5, 2021 in Bishkek. The parties also touched upon security issues in Central Asia, including the situation on the border area of the Kyrgyz Republic with the Republic of Tajikistan and in Afghanistan. The European diplomat commended the diplomatic approach of the Kyrgyz Republic to resolve the disputes and welcomed the decision of the Kyrgyz authorities to issue 500 visas to Afghan students.

Separately, the issue of jointly combating the consequences of the coronavirus infection pandemic, including the issue of vaccination of the population, was discussed.