Kyrgyz President talks over phone with ADB President Asakawa

Bishkek, Apr.3, 2020. /Kabar/. Today, Apr.3 President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov had a telephone conversation with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa. Topical areas of bilateral cooperation were discussed, the Kyrgyz President’s press service reported. Sooronbay Jeenbekov noted with satisfaction the positive experience of joint cooperation with ADB, and expressed gratitude for the support provided to Kyrgyzstan in economic development, including in combating the spread of coronavirus infection and its consequences. He stressed that the current situation related to the spread of coronavirus infection and slowdown of business activity in the world requires consolidation of efforts and implementation of joint anti-crisis measures. “ABD recognizes that the coronavirus pandemic is a significant threat to lives, livelihoods, and the entire economy of the Kyrgyz Republic,” said ADB President Asakawa. He assured that at this challenging time the Bank will do everything possible to help the government and businesses overcome the social and economic impacts of this pandemic. Masatsugu Asakawa noted ADB is undertaking a joint study with the United Nations Development Programme on the impact of COVID-19 on poor and vulnerable communities. In addition, ADB will make further grants and loans available to fill the financing gap, strengthen the Kyrgyz Republic’s health care system, and improve its capacity to respond to the pandemic. ADB has approved $200,000 in emergency medical assistance to help the Kyrgyz Republic procure medical supplies and equipment, the press service of the Bank said. On March 18, ADB announced an initial package of approximately $6.5 million to address the immediate needs of its developing member countries, including the Kyrgyz Republic, as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Apr.3, COVID-19 cases in Kyrgyzstan have increased to 130. The first patient, who had confirmed case of COVID-19 died yesterday, Apr.2. Five citizens have recovered and discharged from hospitals.