As part of the work conducted by the Embassy aimed at expanding cooperation at the regional level and establishing sister city relations between the Kyrgyzstan and Italy on March 10, 2023, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Italy Taalai Bazarbaev paid a working visit to Florence, Tuscany region.

The visit began with attending to one of the largest and oldest universities in Italy - the University of Florence. During the meeting with the Rector of the University Alessandra Petrucci the issues related to establishing cooperation with the universities of Kyrgyzstan were discussed. It was agreed to conclude an agreement on bilateral cooperation. At the same time the parties discussed participation of the teaching staff of the universities of Kyrgyzstan in the international forum organized this year in Florence was discussed.

A bilateral meeting was held with the mayor of Florence Dario Nardella in the palace "Palazzo Vecchio" Ambassador T. Bazarbaev expressed great interest in establishing twinning relations between Bishkek and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, unique in its cultural heritage. He drew attention to the fact that implementation both cultural, humanitarian and economic projects with participation of two mayor's offices could become areas of cooperation.

D. Nardella noted the importance of development of international relations for the Municipality of Florence and expressed his readiness to consider organizing his visit to Kyrgyzstan this year in order to establish sister city relations. He emphasized the need of exchanging best practices in the activities of municipalities, as well as organizing joint events of cultural and economic nature.

The working visit ended with a meeting with the President of the Agency "PromoFirenze" of the Chamber of Commerce of Florence – Massimo Manetti.

Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, the association of industrial enterprises "Confindustria", as well as the association of artisans, small and medium-sized enterprises of the province of Florence "CNA Firenze" were introduced to the investment, export and tourism potential of Kyrgyzstan, business conditions, as well as preferential treatment provided by the Kyrgyz Republic to foreign investors.

M. Manetti noted the readiness to review the submitted investment projects and consider organizing a trip of a business delegation to Kyrgyzstan in order to establish contacts between the business circles of the two states.