Cypriot FM completes visit to Kyrgyzstan

Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou – Marcoullis completed her visit to Kyrgyzstan, the first ever official visit by a Cypriot FM in the country amid reports, denied by the government that the visit was rushed through following concerns that Kyrgyzstan might initiate direct flights to the north, a move that is feared would upgrade the status of the breakaway regime.
During her visit, Marcoullis held meetings with high ranking Kyrgyzstan officials and decisions were taken to promote cooperation in the fields of health, culture, commerce, economy and education, with the aim to deepen the relations of friendship between the two peoples.
During a meeting with Kyrgyzstan’s deputy health Minister Madamin Karataev the two decided to immediately promote procedures to sign a cooperation agreement in the field of health.
Marcoullis also met Foreign Minister Ednan Karabaev and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between the two ministries. They also examined international issues related to EU’s cooperation with Central Asia countries.
The Cypriot FM also had meetings with the country’s House Speaker Marat Soultanov and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of Foreign Affairs Karganbek Samakov where they agreed the exchange of visits at all levels between their respective parliaments.
Marcoullis also met with Kyrgyzstan’s deputy Prime Minister Nur Uulu Dosbol who expressed the determination of Kyrgyzstan to immediately promote action towards the implementation of all that was agreed during her visit.
On her part, the Cypriot Minister informed all officials on the latest developments on Cyprus and was assured that Kyrgyzstan will continue to promote the reunification of Cyprus based on international law and UN Security Council resolutions, which it respects and implements.
Marcoullis visited the Slav University of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan and met with professors and students of the Greek Studies Department. She also gave a press conference and a reception to mark the 47th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
On her return to Cyprus, Marcoullis made a stop over in Moscow where she met the Russian Federation’s deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Denisov and chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the State Duma and head of the Russian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Konstantin Kosachev.
The Cypriot delegation included head of the House Health Committee Dr. Eleni Theoharous and Cyprus’ Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Leonidas Pantelides.