Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Technology

Andrus Ansip and Almazbek Atambayev. Bishkek, 13.12.2013. Photo: valitsus.ee

President Atambayev requested that Europe would notice their democratic direction and recognise their efforts. He stressed that Kyrgyzstan expects more attention and support from Europe. According to him, Central Asia is a difficult region and Kyrgyzstan has to make tough choices, thus, Western support could be more noticeable.

Prime Minister Ansip, who has visited all countries of Central Asia, confirmed that Estonia will stand for the interests of this region in the European Union: “Kyrgyzstan, who has chosen the democratic path, can be assured that Estonia will stand for their interests. We are also working to ensure that the European Union would pay more attention to Kyrgyzstan and the entire Central Asian region.”

In 2011–2013, the European Union supported Kyrgyzstan with 51 million euros. Priority areas included good governance, education reform, social sector, and agriculture. During the next period, the European Union will indicatively support Kyrgyzstan with 185 million euros, primarily by supporting the development of a state based on the rule of law.

Prime Minister Andrus Ansip also opened the first Estonian Honorary Consulate in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek.

Prime Minister Ansip said at the opening that the Honorary Consulate will be of help for the Estonians, who stop in Kyrgyzstan. “I believe that the Honorary Consulate will also contribute to the conclusion of business contacts and development of cultural relations between Estonia and Kyrgyzstan,” Ansip said.

The Estonian Honorary Consul of Kyrgyzstan is Viktor Kryltsov, who is a local construction and real estate entrepreneur. Viktor Kryltsov said in his speech that he promises to represent and protect the interests of Estonians in Kyrgyzstan.

The Estonian Embassy serving the Central Asian region is located in Kazakhstan.

With the help from the Estonian e-Governance Academy, preparations are being made for the introduction of the first e-Consul in Kyrgyzstan.