Amir's visit historic: Kyrgyz president

The President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov described the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to his country as 'historic and important', especially since His Highness the Amir is the first Arab leader to pay an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), President Japarov said that the visit carries a historic meaning, not only in terms of cooperation with the State of Qatar, but also in terms of relations linking Kyrgyzstan with Arab countries.
He emphasised his confidence that the visit of His Highness the Amir, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, will provide good opportunities and a strong impetus for the development of bilateral cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the State of Qatar.
He said that the was very pleased with the visit of His Highness the Amir to Kyrgyzstan, noting that the cooperation between the two countries is moving in the right direction towards continuous development.
Japarov added that the visit will highlight the available capabilities to strengthen cooperation and will be an important factor for the implementation of bilateral projects in the near future, as several agreements are expected in a number fields to create the appropriate conditions for cooperation, as many projects will be implemented within the framework of these agreements.
He referred to a number of meetings he had with His Highness the Amir on a number of international occasions, the most recent of which was the meeting at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, HE said, adding that His Highness the Amir's visit to Bishkek allows a great opportunity to delve deeper into various bilateral issues of common interest
Japarov explained to QNA that the visit is an opportunity for His Highness the Amir to be acquainted with the capabilities that Kyrgyzstan possess in terms of natural landscapes and the promising future of the country, which is witnessing development just like the rest of Central Asian countries, which are developing in a dynamic and continuous manner.
He also noted that His Highness the Amir's visit comes at an appropriate time to enhance cooperation between the two countries, as well as introduce the ancient customs and traditions that distinguish the Kyrgyz people and to get acquainted with all the natural capabilities in Kyrgyzstan, including mountains, rivers and fresh water pools.
The President emphasised the strong relations between his country and the State of Qatar, saying that the two countries are working to strengthen bilateral cooperation between them, In addition to political dialogue, important discussions are taking place on trade, economic and investment relations, as well as cultural and social exchange, he said, noting the great Qatari support for the development of Kyrgyzstan.
In this context, President Japarov pointed out the importance of launching direct flights between Bishkek and Doha as an engine for the development of cooperation, explaining in this context that he will discuss with His Highness the Amir all issues related to the development of bilateral relations.
He stressed that Kyrgyzstan and Qatar share many commonalities in terms of culture, and the relations between the leaderships of the two countries are close and warm; therefore, there is a strong belief in the importance of developing relations and cooperation not only on the bilateral level, but in fruitful cooperation in international projects as well.
In this regard, HE said that cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the State of Qatar has a great future and will yield bilateral benefits, as there are many areas of cooperation, including natural products, the implementation of hydroelectric projects, the development of renewable energy sources in the field of green energy, and cooperation in the field of ecotourism.
He added that taking into consideration that the location of the Kyrgyz Republic is in the middle of the 'Eurasia' region (Europe and Asia), they are looking for new ways for the Central Asian region to develop, pointing out that they are working on large projects to develop transport and logistics routes, such as the railway road project 'China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan' as this project opens the door to several large projects, and they intend to discuss the project with the Qatari side.
He also pointed out that his country is moving towards a policy of digital transformation and is working in joint projects with many startups, highlighting the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic, which has become one of the famous centers in the world. Therefore, there are opportunities in the field of joint business in this sector, as well as opportunities to support emerging companies with the expertise of the State of Qatar in this field, he explained.
In the field of political cooperation, the President said, that his country's international policy is based on mutual respect and the principles of the United Nations Charter, while striving for stable development with neighboring countries in the region.
He added that Kyrgyzstan and Qatar support each other within the framework of international organization, and they have common views on many regional and international issues.
Japarov spoke about the important role played by the State of Qatar in the field of international politics, noting the foreign policy it follows, which is characterized by firm principles while maintaining flexibility at the same time.
He said that they highly appreciated the State of Qatar at the international level in recent years, especially its role in mediation, adding that he would like to highlight the humanitarian assistance provided by the State of Qatar to countries all over the world, in addition to the State of Qatar's contributions to development programs.
The President reviewed the number of discussions he is expected to hold with His Highness the Amir, the most prominent of which is the emphasis on the importance of cooperation in the economic and investment fields.
In this context, he added that they are interested in cooperating with the State of Qatar in the field of implementing large and promising projects, stressing the importance of monitor the dynamics of development in the Kyrgyz Republic and Central Asia in general. He called for focusing on projects that will give new impetus to the country and region.
He also stressed the importance of investing in the energy sector, explaining that the Kyrgyz Republic is rich in mineral waters and rivers, and 90 percent of the electricity generated is obtained from running water, yet his country uses only 10 percent of its potential in energy production.
He pointed out that preliminary negotiations are taking place between the Kyrgyz side and Nebras Power for cooperation in this field, explaining that he is personally following up on these negotiations.
He also made it clear that his country has started important and large projects in the energy field, and a new tariff policy has been launched to develop the sector, stressing that such steps create opportunities for investors, especially with plans to build several large hydroelectric power stations, wind and solar power plants.
President Japarov confirmed, at the end of his interview with QNA, that many reforms are being implemented, new incentives are being provided, and creative ideas are being supported to attract investments that will benefit not only Kyrgyzstan, but the entire region, and therefore the visit of His Highness the Amir will be an impetus in this direction.