OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Linde concludes visit to Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 13 April 2021 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, concluded her official visit to Kyrgyzstan on 13 April.

In Bishkek, Chairperson-in-Office Linde met with President Sadyr Japarov and Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev. She outlined the Swedish Chairpersonship’s key priorities with its emphasis on defending the European security order and upholding the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security. The interrelatedness between political and economic security, human rights, democracy, the rule of law and equality constitute the very foundation of this concept.

Chairperson Linde expressed support to Kyrgyzstan in its continued implementation of OSCE commitments, including in relation to constitutional reforms.

She also met civil society representatives and underlined their importance in the implementation of the OSCE’s joint commitments, including in the area of democracy and gender equality.

Chairperson Linde’s agenda included a meeting with Ambassador Pierre von Arx, Head of the Programme Office in Bishkek, and the staff of the program office, during which she expressed her strong support for the office and its programmatic activities.  

Chairperson Linde visited the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and met with its Director, Alexander Wolters. Through the OSCE Academy’s post-graduate education programmes, training courses and research activities, it contributes to enhancing post-graduate education and building capacity on international relations among young people across the region. Chairperson Linde and Academy students engaged in an open discussion on a range of OSCE-related issues.