Bishkek, Oct. 27. /Kabar/. On October 26, as part of his official visit to Japan, the Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (Kyrgyz Parliament), Marlen Mamataliev held talks in Tokyo with Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The two sides discussed prospects for future cooperation, with a particular focus on the development of the healthcare sector, the introduction of modern medical technologies, professional training, and support for the regions of Kyrgyzstan.
Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the JICA representative office in Kyrgyzstan, Marlen Mamataliev expressed his gratitude for the agency’s contribution to the country’s socio-economic development.
"Cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Japan is developing consistently; alongside political dialogue, ties in the business and humanitarian spheres are being actively strengthened.
In particular, a number of projects have been successfully implemented with the support of JICA," the speaker said. During the discussions, special attention was paid to the healthcare sector. The speaker highly commended the efforts supported by JICA to upgrade medical equipment in Bishkek, the Chui region, and other parts of Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing the Kyrgyz side’s interest in continuing and expanding this collaboration.
"It is of great importance to us to continue our cooperation in this area. We are interested in further broadening our existing engagement to encompass all regions of our country," he stated. In addition, the speaker raised the issue of introducing combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) technology in Kyrgyzstan and called for the joint implementation of initiatives aimed at combating oncological diseases.
Marlen Mamataliev also expressed interest in involving Japanese specialists and companies in a project to establish a modern medical complex in the country. The meeting further addressed the financing of essential medical equipment, including potential grant support and credit options as well as the training of specialists to work with advanced medical technologies.
Furthermore, the two sides discussed the development of human capital. Noting that more than 300 Kyrgyzstani civil servants have received an education in Japan through the JDS program, Marlen Mamataliev emphasized the importance of continuing this cooperation and expanding its scope.
"Training personnel through the JDS program makes a significant contribution not only to the development of Kyrgyzstan but also to strengthening long-term ties between our two countries," he added.
Additionally, he spoke highly of the work of Japanese volunteers in Kyrgyzstan, as well as the results of the "One Village, One Product" project, which aims to foster small and medium-sized enterprises in the regions. Marlen Mamataliev noted the need for the further expansion of these initiatives as well.
For his part, Akihiko Tanaka underscored that the agency he leads is committed to continued cooperation, noting that Kyrgyzstan is a key country for the organization. He highlighted the priority areas of a partnership that has developed over the past 25 years. After thanking the Jogorku Kenesh for ratifying the reached agreements and for their support, he expressed confidence that this official visit by the deputies led by speaker Marlen Mamataliev would help elevate cooperation to a new level.
It should be noted that the meeting was also attended by deputies Talaybek Masabirov, Gulnara Akimbaeva, Dzhamilya Isaeva, Toktobubu Ashymbaeva, Dzhailoobai Nyshanov, Sovetbek Rustambek uulu, and the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Japan, Erkinbek Osoev.
