Slovak President Pays Official Visit to Kyrgyz Republic

During talks with Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, both heads of state agreed that even geographically distant countries such as Slovakia and Kyrgyzstan can help each other.

“Probably no country can help itself during the current crisis; therefore, we need greater cooperation in promoting mutual trade,” said Ivan Gašparovič.
Mr. Gašparovič stressed Slovakia’s interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in economy and trade. He noted that the Slovak Republic had great potential, particularly in the civil construction sector, road construction, supply of road and civil construction machinery, and the energy sector.

The highest Kyrgyz representative confirmed his country’s interest in cooperating with Slovakia in economy and trade. Furthermore, Kyrgyzstan is interested in Slovakia’s civil construction sector and cooperation with the pharmaceutical, agriculture and food industries, and is also keen to revive tourism.

The presidents also discussed the issues of strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, education and culture. According to Mr. Bakiyev, “Slovakia and Kyrgyzstan are also interconnected through the involvement of the Slovak people in the Interhelpo cooperative, which greatly contributed to the development of our country.”

Mr. Bakiyev thanked the Slovak President for promoting the Bishkek Initiative, which also won support from the UN. At the end of their talks, the Slovak President invited his Kyrgyz counterpart for an official visit to Slovakia.

While in Bishkek, President Gašparovič met Slovak compatriots and unveiled a commemorative plaque in the memory of Alexander Dubček, who spent his childhood in Bishkek.