On June 25, the European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) in Brussels, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. This Agreement establishes a new legal framework to enhance political dialogue and deepen cooperation across a variety of mutually beneficial areas.
The EPCA encompasses trade and investment, sustainable development and connectivity, research and innovation, education, environment and climate change, and the rule of law, human rights, and civil society. Additionally, it enables increased collaboration in foreign and security policy, covering conflict prevention and crisis management, risk reduction, cybersecurity, regional stability, disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control, and export control.
“We are happy to count the Kyrgyz Republic amongst our close partners” said HR/VP @JosepBorrellF on the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA).
🇰🇬🇪🇺This agreement will lead to closer political dialogue and cooperation.
More: https://t.co/oLSRJa8DUf
— European External Action Service – EEAS 🇪🇺 (@eu_eeas) June 25, 2024
By signing the EPCA, the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic reaffirm their commitment to international law and to promoting peace, stability, and security through effective multilateralism. The European Union looks forward to strengthening its relationship with the Kyrgyz Republic across all areas of bilateral cooperation, which will benefit both their citizens and societies.
Since 2016, the Kyrgyz Republic has enjoyed preferential access to the EU market through the Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development (GSP+) of the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences. The EPCA complements the market access and sustainability commitments provided by the EU’s GSP. The Kyrgyz Republic is the EU’s third-largest trading partner in Central Asia, and GSP+ has significantly boosted EU-Kyrgyz trade in goods, with a 116% increase in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching €2.845 billion.
The EPCA will replace the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in 1999, creating opportunities for cooperation in new areas, such as critical raw materials essential for green and digital transitions.
Glad to meet with @baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Kyrgyzstan continues to be a key partner for the EU in Central Asia. We discussed regional cooperation, sustainable connectivity, democracy and human rights. pic.twitter.com/IspeIlvBvj
— Margaritis Schinas (@MargSchinas) December 11, 2023