The official visit of President of the European Council Charles Michel to Kyrgyzstan has begun. Sadyr Zhaparov and Charles Michel met in the Congress Hall of the State Residence in Cholpon-Ata. The sides discussed topical issues of enhancing bilateral cooperation, exchanged views on a wide range of issues on the global agenda, including regional cooperation. President Zhaparov, welcoming Charles Michel, thanked him for accepting the invitation to make a bilateral visit. In particular, Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized its historical significance, since for the first time in the history of bilateral cooperation, the Kyrgyz side is conducting such a high visit of the head of the European Union to the country. ‘We attach great importance to this fact. Your personal attention to our country and region gives us an additional incentive for further comprehensive development and strengthening partnerships with the European Union. The European Union is our reliable partner. Since gaining independence, only trust has developed between us and friendship has been strengthened,’ the president stressed. In turn, Charles Michel thanked Sadyr Zhaparov for the warm welcome and high level of organization of the Second Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the President of the European Council that took place on the eve. He stressed with satisfaction the initiative of the head of state to invite all the leaders of the Central Asian countries to take part in this event, expressing confidence that this would give a new impetus to the development of relations between Central Asia and the EU. In addition, Charles Michel emphasized that today’s meeting will bring relations between Kyrgyzstan and the EU to a new level and open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. President of the European Council Charles Michel arrived in Kyrgyzstan the day before to participate in the Second European Union – Central Asia Summit.
Source: Kyrgyz National News Agency