Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruslan Kazakbaev met with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Ms. Natalia Gherman

On March 26, 2021, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruslan Kazakbaev met with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Ms. Natalia Gherman. 
For reference: The United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) is a special political mission of the United Nations, established on the initiative of the governments of the five Central Asian countries on December 10, 2007 in Ashgabat. The main task of the Centre is to assist the states of Central Asia in identifying and eliminating existing and potential threats to peace and security in the region. In addition, the Centre promotes partnerships between the states of Central Asia in cooperation with regional and international organizations. 
The parties discussed the development of the political and social situation in the country and the process of ongoing reforms, the draft of the new Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, legislation inventory, the promotion of human rights and freedoms, as well as main issues of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the UN.
In particular, Minister R.Kazakbaev thanked the interlocutor, the UN system and Secretary General A.Guterres for the constant support of Kyrgyzstan in the framework of the UN development programmes. He gave detailed information on the upcoming local elections, referendum on the Constitution and parliamentary elections.
Regarding the upcoming referendum on the Constitution, which caused an international reaction, R.Kazakbaev noted that in January of this year 84% of citizens who voted supported the transition to the presidential form. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov was elected in the democratic presidential elections that were widely recognized by the international community, he pursues a political course in full accordance with the democratic will of the people relying on a mandate confirmed by 79% of citizens. 
The Foreign Minister said that Kyrgyzstan will not turn from the democratic path and principles in the process of public administration reforms, and the current government is determined to justify the people's trust.
In turn, N.Gherman emphasized that the UN will always be a reliable partner of the Kyrgyz Republic and thanked for supporting the activities of UN agencies in the country. She noted that the UN Secretary General is closely following the dynamic political and democratic processes in Kyrgyzstan and the region in order to prevent political, economic and environmental crises, as well as transnational threats.
Expressing the wish that the upcoming local elections, referendum on the Constitution and parliamentary elections will be held in accordance with democratic principles, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General noted that the UN system is ready to provide all possible assistance and support in holding parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan.
In addition, N.Gherman emphasized that the UN shares the priorities of the Kyrgyz Republic in the fight against the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, public administration reform, inventory of legislation, improvement of the investment climate and will provide the necessary support in these areas.