President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, speaking at the first Summit “Central Asia – Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf” on 19 July 2023 in Jeddah, proposed to actively promote interregional cooperation in various fields.
Today, Central Asia – is a dynamically developing region with diverse geography, sustainable economic growth and new development opportunities. The region is rich in all kinds of minerals, water resources and various sources of energy, oil, gas and coal. Regional and interregional integration is a key element of our common vision for the future. Kyrgyzstan stands for the consistent and comprehensive strengthening of the integration of the countries of Central Asia”, he said.
Turning to the topic of international politics, Zhaparov drew attention to the alarming situation in neighboring Afghanistan, calling on the international community not to leave Afghanistan and the long-suffering Afghan people isolated, continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and fully support projects that will contribute to the restoration of the Afghan economy.
Speaking about the ongoing conflicts in Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, the President said that the Kyrgyz Republic firmly believes that any conflict should be resolved exclusively by political and diplomatic means at the negotiating table on the basis of universally recognized principles and norms of international law.
Touching upon the issues of economic and investment cooperation, Zhaparov stressed that Central Asia also has a powerful trade, transit, logistics and transport potential. In this regard, he suggested instructing the governments of the countries to actively promote interregional cooperation and exchange of experience in such vital sectors as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, transport, healthcare, tourism, digitalization and innovation.
He also called on partners from the Gulf countries to participate in the joint implementation of the mega-project for the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.
To promote transport connectivity, Zhaparov proposes a number of measures: to create a visa-free zone within our regions; to encourage and support airlines in opening and expanding regular flights between the capitals; to develop joint tourist routes; to strengthen interbank cooperation; to develop trade and investment cooperation.
The President of Kyrgyzstan also expressed gratitude to Arab partners for cooperation through the funds of the Arab Coordination Group, within the framework of which socially significant projects have already been implemented in Kyrgyzstan, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, the construction of hospitals, schools, and the modernization of irrigation systems.
Speaking about the importance of practical implementation of the agreements reached, Kyrgyzstan offers to host ministerial meetings to discuss issues of economic development, trade, education and health, as well as business forums, joint cultural and sports events.
Among the proposals is the holding of the first Investment Forum in the format of “Central Asia–Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf” in the summer of 2024 in Kyrgyzstan.
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