Kyrgyz, Kazakh presidents stress bilateral cooperation with Qatar

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday highlighted bilateral cooperation amid a visit by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to Bishkek and Astana, respectively.

“I am convinced that your visit will open a new page in Kyrgyz-Qatari fraternal relations based on mutual trust, and will give a great impetus to the further development of Kyrgyz-Qatari cooperation in various areas,” Japarov said following narrow and expanded talks with Qatar’s emir in the capital Bishkek, a statement by the Kyrgyz presidency read.

Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Kyrgyz-Qatari relations, Japarov said Bishkek and Doha closely cooperate under the UN, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other international organizations.

The statement by the Kyrgyz presidency said the two leaders discussed current areas of bilateral cooperation, noting that Sheikh Tamim thanked Japarov for his warm hospitality.

Sheikh Tamim expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would expand through joint efforts following his visit to Kyrgyzstan, and that new opportunities will open up in the trade and economic sphere, as well as infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and other areas, the statement also said.

It added that Sheikh Tamim emphasized his intention to raise cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Qatar to the level of a “comprehensive partnership.”

“The leaders of the countries confirmed they are ready to develop bilateral cooperation in all sectors and the practical implementation of joint investment projects,” the statement concluded.

Japarov and Sheikh Tamim later attended a ceremony where the Kyrgyz and Qatari delegations signed 13 agreements that aim to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Sheikh Tamim later travelled to the Kazakh capital Astana and met with Tokayev, who said their talks will give a “new impetus” to the development of collaboration between the two countries, a statement by the Kazakh presidency read following their meeting.

Tokayev further said Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to Qatar of about 60 types of products for a total of $250 million, also indicating that in order to intensify business contacts, it is important to have direct flights between the two countries, the statement said.

“During the meeting, the heads of state discussed with investors the prospects for the implementation of joint projects in the oil and gas, mining and metallurgical, agricultural industries, medicine and the financial sector. The issues of mutually beneficial cooperation through international organizations were also considered,” it added.

Sheikh Tamim is on a regional tour to Central Asia, where he previously visited Uzbekistan and is scheduled to visit Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, respectively.​​​​​​​