Shri A. Gitesh Sarma, Secretary (West) called on Kyrgyz Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Chingiz Azmatovich Aidarbekov in Bishkek today. He handed over a message from External Affairs Minister, Smt. Sushma Swaraj to Foreign Minister Aidarbekov conveying her best wishes for the success of the forthcoming SCO Summit being hosted by the Kyrgyz Republic in June 2019.
Foreign Minister Aidarbekov conveyed his gratitude for India’s support for the forthcoming Summit. He conveyed that the Kyrgyz side looks forward to External Affairs Minister’s visit to Bishkek for the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in May and Indian Prime Minister’s visit for the SCO Summit.
Foreign Minister Aidarbekov emphasized trade and economic linkages, e-visas, tourism, medical, civil aviation, education, and people to people exchanges. Secretary (West) also took the opportunity to brief the Foreign Minister on important role being played by Chabhar Port for promoting connectivity in the region.
The two sides also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, terrorism affecting the region and the follow-ups on the outcomes of the India-Central Asia Dialogue held at Samarkand in January 2019.
Secretary (West) and Deputy Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Nurlan Abdrakhmanov also held the 10th Foreign Office Consultation between India and Kyrgyzstan. Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations. It was decided that an Indian delegation would undertake a visit to look into ways for Indian concessional credit-arrangement to be extended to Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz side expressed interest in Indian participation in Railways and hydro-energy sector in Kyrgyzstan. The two sides decided to convene the 10th India-Kyrgyzstan Business Council meeting in Bishkek later this year. Both sides reviewed the status of various draft bilateral agreements under consideration, cooperation in the United Nations and other international organization.
Secretary (West) invited Deputy Foreign Minister Abdrakhmanov to visit India for the next round of consultations at a mutually convenient date.
Bishkek
April 20, 2019