Bishkek, Feb. 27, 2025. /Kabar/. Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu received members of the European Parliament headed by Mounir Satouri.
The leaders of parliamentary factions also took part in the meeting.
The parties discussed the current state of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union, and also talked about further strengthening the ties between the Jogorku Kenesh and the European Parliament.
Speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu noted that Kyrgyzstan is interested in expanding its partnership with the European Union, in increasing cooperation in all areas and building a constructive dialogue.
“In recent years, our relations have been actively developing, Kyrgyzstan was visited by President of the European Council Charles Michel on an official visit. In addition, last year the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic was signed. I am confident that this document will open a new page in relations and contributes to their further deepening," the speaker said.
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Mounir Satouri, speaking about the main purpose of the visit, recalled that European countries pay special attention to the development of relations with Kyrgyzstan.
The members of the European Parliament also focused on the situation related to human rights and freedom of speech in the country, and asked questions of interest to them.
The Kyrgyz speaker expressed his opinion on each issue, he emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is a country that is committed to democracy, freedom of speech, protection of human rights and compliance with the law. Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu added that the fight against corruption and organized crime is intensifying, and much attention is also paid to issues related to holding a fair and open election process.
Speaking about the activities of the parliament, the speaker said that the Jogorku Kenesh makes a great contribution to the development of parliamentary democracy and the state as a whole. “Our deputies can express their thoughts and opinions on any issue. In addition, we conduct our activities openly and transparently, all meetings, including committees and factions, are broadcast live. Representatives of the media freely participate in the work of the parliament, our doors are also open to the public. Such an opportunity is rare even in developed countries of the world, and we are proud of these achievements,” noted Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu.
In addition, gender equality issues were also discussed at the meeting. Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu spoke about the quota for women in the Jogorku Kenesh, and emphasized that such a norm enshrined in law does not exist even in European countries.