Kyrgyz MFA discusses bilateral cooperation with Aga Khan Development Network

Bishkek, April 28, 2021. / Kabar / . Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Ruslan Kazakbaev held a meeting with Head of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Representative Office in Kyrgyzstan Shamsh Kassim-Lakha. During the meeting, a cooperation issues and promising areas of interaction between Kyrgyzstan and the AKDN, in particular in the socio-economic sphere, in education, health, and development of small and medium-sized businesses were discussed, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan said. "Along with this, the sides congratulated each other on the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Development Cooperation Agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Imamat Ismailitov, as well as the opening of the KICB (the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank),” the report said. In turn, Shamsh Kassim-Lakha noted that KICB programs implemented in the republic are aimed to support development of mountain regions and are a priority in the development of the republic. In conclusion, Minister Kazakbaev expressed hope that projects and programs of the AKDN will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of the Kyrgyz Republic. Since 2002, the Aga Khan Development Network has been supporting the creation of institutions and programs that help develop a vibrant economy, political stability, and a vibrant intellectual and cultural sphere in the Kyrgyz Republic. These projects include the main campus of the University of Central Asia in Naryn; a school in Osh; the First Microfinance Company; the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank; and a range of initiatives in Osh and Naryn Oblasts, reaching 310,000 people. Work is also being done through the Aga Khan Music Initiative to support music and art education on a broad scale.