The Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Aibek Moldogaziev, and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, John Mark Pommersheim, led successful Annual Bilateral Consultations on April 22, 2024, in Bishkek, as highlighted in a joint statement by the Governments of the United States of America and the Kyrgyz Republic.
During the consultations, both parties emphasized the positive impact of the C5+1 format on regional cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the U.S.-Central Asia regional partnership. Moldogaziev and Pommersheim underlined the importance of the Annual Bilateral Consultations in advancing shared priorities, including political and security cooperation, economic partnership, and support for civil society and the rule of law.
In the realm of political and security cooperation, discussions included topics such as counterterrorism, border protection, global health security, and defense cooperation. The United States reiterated its steadfast support for the Kyrgyz Republic's sovereignty and independence over the 32 years of bilateral partnership.
Economically, the United States commended the Kyrgyz Republic's dedication to developing the creative economy. Both sides explored future opportunities for collaboration, emphasizing the growth and diversification of the Kyrgyz economy, increased U.S. private sector investment, improved regional connectivity and trade, and advancements in areas such as public health, critical minerals, the green economy, and agricultural cooperation.
Acknowledging the importance of civil society and the rule of law, the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States highlighted the significance of media freedom, a strong civil society, respect for human rights (including women's rights), combatting gender-based violence, judicial independence, and anti-corruption efforts in achieving a resilient, prosperous, and secure Kyrgyz Republic. The two nations also discussed enhancing cooperation through educational and English language programs, recognizing the value of people-to-people ties in the bilateral relationship.
Moldogaziev and Pommersheim expressed their dedication to the Kyrgyz-U.S. partnership and announced their intention to hold the next Annual Bilateral Consultations in Washington in 2025, further solidifying the bond between the two nations.