Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), visited Kyrgyzstan on 22-24 October. He held meetings with President Almazbek Atambaev, Toraga (Speaker) of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament), Asilbek Jeenbekov, Deputy Prime Minister Abdyrahman Mamataliev, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Abdyldaev. The SRSG also met with representatives of civil society.

 

The two sides exchanged views on current challenges in relation to the management of water and energy resources in Central Asia and underlined that they should be addressed in a cooperative manner together with neighboring states and other involved countries. The SRSG appreciated Kyrgyzstan`s active participation in regional cooperation initiatives convened by UNRCCA. Transnational threats, such as international terrorism, religious extremism, illicit drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime in the post-2014 Afghanistan context, and ways of counter action to these threats were discussed. The two sides underlined the importance of the continued implementation of the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, supported by UNRCCA and the UN Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), in close cooperation with regional organizations and other partners.

During the talks both parties discussed the issue of non-delineated state borders in the Ferghana Valley. In this regard, the SRSG expressed support for the continuation of direct negotiations between Kyrgyzstan and its neighboring states to find peaceful and mutually acceptable solutions. Responding to a request from the authorities, the SRSG demonstrated readiness to consider the possibility of organizing an event, preferably with the participation of the countries of the region, to build knowledge about the international legal principles and norms, and international experience, on issues related to border delimitation and demarcation, as well as possible cartographic assistance in this field.

The SRSG renewed the commitment of the United Nations to continue its support to Kyrgyzstan in conducting free, transparent and democratic elections.

Mr. Jenča appreciated the efforts of the Government and the Parliament, and encouraged the authorities to complete crucial ongoing reforms in the judiciary and law enforcement. He pointed out that the UN is also prepared to provide assistance in the drafting of new legislation, especially related to minority groups and civil society, with the aim of ensuring full conformity with international norms and standards.

During his visit, the SRSG took part in the celebrations of the UN Day in Kyrgyzstan and interacted with pupils of Bishkek School #24 on gender equality and the role of women and youth in peace and security, on the occasion of Open Days for Peace organized by UN Women. He took the opportunity to congratulate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan and its staff on the occasion of Diplomats Day.