BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 24. Over the 30 years of diplomatic relations, the UK has supported Kyrgyzstan by providing more than $122 million in bilateral development assistance and $80 million through multilateral platforms, Ann Herrigan, Chargés d'Affaires Ad Interim at the British Embassy in Kyrgyzstan told Trend.
Ann Herrigan emphasized that the UK's priority areas in Kyrgyzstan have been focused on supporting democratic ambitions, ensuring security, and promoting sustainable economic growth. In line with these priorities, the UK has undertaken various projects in sectors such as education, public health, governance effectiveness, and water supply.
The UK representative expressed a commitment to strengthening the political dialogue between the two countries.
“We are increasing our political dialogue. Members of the UK’s Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee visited Kyrgyzstan in May. And the UK’s Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty MP, was in Bishkek on 4-5 June and discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding our bilateral cooperation into new areas,” she said.
Furthermore, Ann Herrigan emphasized that the UK maintains a regular rhythm of dialogue at various working levels, both within and outside the government. As an example, a trade mission from Kyrgyzstan visited London in April 2023, aiming to establish connections with British firms and gain insights into the UK market and opportunities provided by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Looking ahead, the Chargés d'Affaires expressed optimism for further cooperation, anticipating several visits from Kyrgyzstan to the UK in the autumn.
The UK and Kyrgyzstan have developed bilateral relations since 1992. In 1997, Kyrgyzstan established its Embassy in London, while the UK established an office of the Department for International Development (DFID) in Bishkek in the following year.
The operational establishment of the British Embassy in Bishkek occurred in December 2011, with the first Ambassador assuming their position in March 2012.