Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Bakyt Torobaev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. The meeting took place amid preparations for a significant gathering in Baku, where the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan is set to convene.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev underscored the rapid development of bilateral relations, facilitated by high-level reciprocal visits that have bolstered cooperation. He expressed gratitude towards Kyrgyzstan for its support in the restoration efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur, particularly acknowledging the construction of a secondary school in Aghdam district named after Aykol Manas, a contribution from Kyrgyzstan.
The gesture of gifting 200 yaks to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories by Kyrgyzstan was highlighted as a symbol of the strong friendship between the two nations. President Aliyev also recalled the inauguration of a monument to the renowned Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov in Baku and the establishment of the Kyrgyzstan-Azerbaijan Friendship Park and a school-gymnasium complex in Bishkek named after Heydar Aliyev.
Discussions extended to investment projects, including a significant agreement for a hotel construction on Issyk-Kul Lake’s shores. The Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Joint Investment Fund, already supporting initial projects, was noted for its potential expansion, with Azerbaijan committed to increasing its financial contributions as projects grow.
President Aliyev praised Kyrgyzstan’s early support for Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the Central Asia cooperation format, signifying the fraternal nature of their relations. He also emphasized Azerbaijan’s active role in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, highlighting the initiative’s potential to enhance cooperation between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, ensuring stable cargo transportation and strengthening fraternal ties.
Bakyt Torobaev, representing the Kyrgyz delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and conveyed greetings from President Sadyr Zhaparov. He affirmed that the strategic partnership between the two nations has reached new heights, driven by the political vision of both presidents. The importance of enhancing direct air links between Baku and Bishkek was also discussed, with plans to increase flight frequency.
The meeting concluded with discussions on furthering cooperation in various sectors, including energy, transport, investments, education, agriculture, and other areas of mutual interest. The anticipation of President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Kyrgyzstan was also expressed, marking another step in deepening the ties between the two countries.