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The EU and the Kyrgyz Republic signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA).
This, say both sides, represents an “important milestone” in the strengthening bilateral relations.
The Agreement will provide a new legal basis for reinforced political dialogue and deepening cooperation in “many mutually beneficial areas.”
These include trade and investment, sustainable development and connectivity, research and innovation, education, environment and climate change, as well as rule of law, security, human rights and civil society, said the Commission.
Reacting, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, said: “We are happy to count the Kyrgyz Republic amongst our close partners.”
The former MEP added, “The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement demonstrates our steadfast commitment to strengthening and deepening our bilateral relations based on shared values and common interests in all areas of mutual benefit, reflecting new geopolitical and economic realities. We will continue working with Kyrgyzstan on further strengthening the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and promote cooperation with civil society which are essential pillars of an open democratic society.”
Further comment came from Executive Vide-President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, who said: “This Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement marks a new chapter in the EU’s economic and trade relations with Kyrgyzstan.”
The official added, “We have included an ambitious Trade and Sustainable Development Chapter that aims to promote fair and open competition, while also benefiting Kyrgyz consumers and SMEs. Through this Agreement, we are helping to create more opportunities for EU and Kyrgyz businesses and investors by facilitating trade flows and enhancing cooperation. We believe this partnership will contribute to the prosperity of our regions by generating new and better jobs and boosting economic development and resilience.”
Through the signing of the EPCA, the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic said they have “reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and norms of international law, and to strengthen peace, stability, and security on the basis of effective multilateralism.”
A commission spokesman said, “The European Union looks forward to strengthening relations with the Kyrgyz Republic, in all areas of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of our citizens, societies and neighbourhoods.”
Since 2016, the Kyrgyz Republic has benefitted from unilateral and preferential access to the EU market through the Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development (GSP+) of the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences.
The trade and economic relations aspects of the EPCA are complementary with the market access and sustainability commitments offered by the EU’s GSP. The Kyrgyz Republic is EU’s third trading partner in Central Asia. GSP+ has contributed to an increase in EU – Kyrgyz trade in goods in 2023 by 116% (over 2022) reaching €2.845 billion.
The EPCA will replace the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in 1999.
