"Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union holds significant potential for achieving our shared goals of peace, stability, development, and prosperity," President Sadyr Zhaparov of the Kyrgyz Republic stated today, on June 2, opening the Second meeting between the Heads of Central Asian States and the President of the European Council in Cholpon-Ata city.

The Head of State noted that since the inaugural meeting in Astana, several important events have been held in the format of the European Union – Central Asia.

Among them: the Samarkand Conference on Interconnectedness, the Second Economic Forum, which was recently held in Almaty, as well as a high-level Conference on the Environment and Water Resources.

"I am pleased to highlight that the First European Union–Central Asia Economic Forum, which took place in Bishkek in November 2021, marked a successful beginning for a new platform of multilateral cooperation. This forum aims to foster innovative and pragmatic approaches in enhancing our trade and economic relations, while creating favorable conditions for closer collaboration among businesses. When discussing the Central Asian region, its immense potential and promising development prospects, I would like to emphasize the following key points. It would be highly advantageous for the Central Asian countries to establish our region as a unified geo-economic space, facilitating diverse forms of successful economic cooperation and interaction," remarked Sadyr Zhaparov. He also acknowledged that the growth of Central Asia's economies relies significantly on the development of regional transit, transport, and logistics capabilities.

The President emphasized that this is what stimulates for integration into the global economy and will ensure regional connectivity. The strategic project of constructing the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad holds significant importance for Kyrgyzstan and other neighboring countries in the region.

"The successful implementation of this mega-project will liberate our region from transportation constraints, connecting approximately 4 billion people and expanding transportation routes from Asia through Turkey to Europe, the Middle East, Iran, the Persian Gulf, and North Africa. Considering global trends, it is crucial for our region to become a geopolitical intermediary, facilitating favorable interaction among influential centers worldwide. The cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union possesses substantial potential in achieving our shared objectives of peace, stability, development, and prosperity. The European Union's Strategy for Central Asia, along with the EU's Global Gateway initiative, can serve as a foundation for further expanding multifaceted interregional cooperation," emphasized the Head of State. Additionally, the President highlighted that the results of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's study on sustainable transport corridors between Europe and Central Asia are anticipated in the near future, which will guide our collaborative efforts in the forthcoming years.

"Central Asia, with its strategic location, possesses immense potential for the revival of the Great Silk Road, enabling it to serve as a pivotal hub connecting Europe and Asia. Undoubtedly, this will yield mutual benefits for both regions. During the Forum in Almaty, the heads of government and the Vice-President of the European Commission reached a consensus on prioritizing the development of a roadmap to attract investments in transport infrastructure. The active involvement of European public and private partners' financial capabilities will play a crucial role in the practical implementation of the sustainable transport links initiative.

In order to effectively advance this area of cooperation, I propose the establishment of a permanent platform for interaction in the format of the European Union – Central Asia, involving heads of transport entities.

Despite the current challenging geopolitical landscape and the emergence of new obstacles, the economy of Central Asia has demonstrated remarkable stability and continued growth. Analysts from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are revising their earlier forecasts for the upward growth of Central Asian economies. According to the updated projections, the region's economy is expected to grow by 4.8% this year. Moreover, over the past 20 years, the average annual economic growth rate of the Central Asian countries has been 6.2%. The intra-regional trade among these nations is advancing at a faster pace compared to their foreign trade," stated Sadyr Zhaparov.

He also stressed that according to the updated forecasts, the region's economy is expected to grow by 4.8% this year. At the same time, the average annual economic growth rate of the Central Asian countries over the past 20 years has been 6.2%. Mutual trade of the countries of the region is developing at a faster pace in relation to foreign trade.

"We are strongly committed to further expanding our trade and economic relations with the European Union, recognizing that its potential is far from being fully tapped. The VSP+ program serves as an effective mechanism for strengthening and developing these ties. Considering the high standards and requirements for products in the European Union, we seek advanced experience, technology, and knowledge. Therefore, alongside technical support, we appreciate the long-standing cooperation in the field of education through programs like Erasmus+. We would like to emphasize the importance of placing more attention on technical specialties within the framework of this program.

In terms of trade cooperation with the European Union, it is noteworthy that Kyrgyzstan's trade turnover with EU countries increased by 76.1% last year, amounting to $603.1 million. This growth included a 60.6% increase in exports, totaling $75.8 million, and a 78.6% increase in imports, amounting to $527.3 million. In the near future, our goal is not only to continue working on increasing trade turnover but also to address the trade imbalance. Additionally, we acknowledge the concerns and requests of our European partners regarding certain goods subject to sanctions, and we are prepared to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the EU on this matter.

At the same time, we understand the concerns and requests of our European partners regarding a certain group of goods subject to sanctions, and we are ready to continue dialogue with the EU on this issue," the President said.

As Sadyr Zhaparov noted, the projects of the European Union are closely linked to our national development priorities and make a significant contribution to our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Head of State recalled that at the first meeting in Astana, he spoke about the importance of regional projects of the European Union within the framework of the Regional Indicative Program.

"Today I would like to express our support for the initiatives of the European Union's "Team of Europe": in the field of digitalization, water, energy and climate change. Digital transformation has become one of the main priorities of the country in recent years. We strive to rethink and better build our future. We believe that inclusive, sustainable and stable digital transformation can allow us to keep up with the latest technological advances, be more competitive and embark on an accelerated path of development. These aspirations of ours are already reflected in the conceptual state documents. We look forward to multiplying these successes together with the European side within the framework of existing projects in the field of digitalization and expansion of satellite communications. Our other priority is energy. It is known that the Kyrgyz Republic is located at the headwaters of the rivers of the Central Asian region, and the total hydropower potential of the country is 142.5 billion kWh. At the same time, only 13% of the total potential has been mastered to date.

Due to renewable hydro resources, large hydroelectric power plants in Kyrgyzstan generate over 90% of "green" electric energy. We are working on the rational and integrated use of water and energy resources, the development of energy efficiency and energy conservation," Sadyr Zhaparov said.

At the same time, as the President noted, against the background of climate change and demographic growth, there is a gradual depletion of water and energy resources in the region. Thus, the issues of energy security and energy efficiency have become one of the most urgent and acute not only in the region, but also on a global scale. Today, the construction of dozens of small hydroelectric power plants has already been launched in the country. An agreement was also reached on the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 with a capacity of 1,860 MW jointly with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The implementation of this major energy project will contribute to ensuring energy stability in all three countries.

In this regard, Sadyr Zhaparov invites all investors and partners for investment cooperation to implement projects for the construction of renewable energy facilities and other "green" projects.

"We already observe a certain interest of some large companies from Austria, France, Hungary, Russia and other countries. We hope to get to concrete projects soon. Also we need new water saving technologies, innovative approaches and qualified specialists, who could be trained in Europe", - he said.

The President emphasized that over the last few years the nature and population of the country have begun to feel the negative effects of climate change quite noticeably. There is an irreversible melting of age-old glaciers, which are the main source of water resources of Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia.

The Kyrgyz Republic is increasingly involved in the activities of the world community to prevent global environmental threats, and is an active participant in international environmental processes, as climate change is keenly felt in our mountainous country.

Today, issues related to environmental protection and climate change have a special status and are the most important capital of any state.

“I would like to note that the economic and social development of the country today largely depends on the success of adapting to climate change and ensuring environmental sustainability, implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, solving the main problems of preserving biological diversity and natural resources. At the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, we adopted the resolution "Sustainable Mountain Development". On the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic, this resolution declared the years 2023-2027, "The Fifth Anniversary of Actions for the Development of Mountain Regions." The announcement of the "Fifth Anniversary" opens up wide opportunities for attracting grant aid and investment in the economy of mountainous countries, including the Kyrgyz Republic. This year we have also taken the initiative to restructure the state external debt, including using the mechanism of its exchange for projects in the field of "green economy". In order to implement this initiative, we are currently planning to hold negotiations with bilateral and multilateral donors on the use of mechanisms for "debt exchange for development programs and the implementation of projects in the field of "green economy", Sadyr Zhaparov said.

In order to implement this initiative, we are currently planning negotiations with bilateral and multilateral donors on the use of mechanisms for "debt exchange for development programs and the implementation of projects in the field of "green economy".

Taking into account the urgency of the environmental problems of the entire region, the President indicated that in order to solve them, it is necessary to take consolidated measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and expressed hope that the European Union, as one of Kyrgyzstan's main development partners, will support the efforts of the Kyrgyz side.

"The Kyrgyz Republic stands for cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union on security issues and is aware of the need for a comprehensive and joint approach to solving common problems. Central Asia, like many countries of the world, faces security challenges such as terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking and border security problems. In this regard, we consider it important to continue the active implementation of the BOMKA, KADAP and LEIKA programs. By strengthening political cooperation with the European Union, we can strengthen our collective efforts to combat these threats. In this regard, we support regular meetings in the Central Asia–European Union format within the framework of the High-level Dialogue on Politics and Security, as well as meetings of the CA-EU Special Representatives on Afghanistan. The issue of stability and security in Afghanistan remains important for our region.

 We hope that the authorities in Kabul will be able to come to a consensus with the international community on a number of issues on the regional and international agenda so that this country can integrate into the system of full-fledged regional economic cooperation," Sadyr Zhaparov said.

The Head of State further expressed Kyrgyzstan's appreciation for the international community's efforts, including those of the European Union, in supporting the Afghan people to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

"We share the global concern regarding the infringement upon women's rights to education and employment in Afghanistan. Through bilateral engagements with representatives of the current de facto authorities in Afghanistan and participation in international events, the Kyrgyz Republic emphasizes the rights of Afghan women to education and work. This recognition is rooted in an understanding of the principles of Islam and Sharia. Therefore, we believe it is necessary to address this issue through our own example, persuasion, and constructive dialogue with the new Afghan authorities, avoiding excessive pressure. We genuinely wish peace, stability, and development for the long-suffering Afghan people, and it is crucial that they do not feel abandoned. The humanitarian aspect of the situation demands special attention, and in this regard, I would like to emphasize the importance of the international community's continued humanitarian mission," stressed the President.

At the same time, touching upon international security issues, Sadyr Zhaparov touched upon the situation in Ukraine. The Kyrgyz side is convinced that any conflict should be resolved at the negotiating table.

"We welcome the mediation efforts and peace initiatives that contribute to the search for a mutually acceptable solution to end this war. Kyrgyzstan strictly adheres to the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of States and stands for compliance with universally recognized principles and norms of international law. Today we see profound changes taking place in the global architecture of international relations and security. Our concern is caused by a new arms race and the emergence of hotbeds of tension in various parts of the world. In these circumstances, for the sake of the future of new generations, we consider it important to work together to strengthen global and regional security, taking into account the interests of each country. In today's joint press statement, we will instruct the Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union, Mr. Barel, to formalize and promote the implementation of a Joint roadmap to deepen ties between the European Union and Central Asia. I hope that the proposals voiced in my speech on the main areas of cooperation will be taken into account in this document," President Sadyr Zhaparov concluded.