Bishkek, Oct. 13, 2026 /Kabar/. Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan held a meeting with Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
According to the Cabinet of Ministers, during the talks, the parties discussed a wide range of issues regarding bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of international customs regulation standards, the digitalization of processes, the modernization of border infrastructure, and personnel training.
Welcoming the distinguished guest, Adylbek Kasymaliev noted that the Kyrgyz Republic attaches great importance to this visit and reaffirms its strong interest in further strengthening a constructive dialogue with the WCO. The chairman emphasized that the republic has been a full member of the organization since February 10, 2000, and that throughout this period, the organization has played a leading role in promoting international standards and strengthening the professional capacity of the national customs service.
The chairman briefed the Secretary General on systemic reforms within Kyrgyzstan's customs sector. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of the "Smart customs" national digital platform, the improvement of electronic declaration processes, and the implementation of modern risk management tools developed in accordance with the expert recommendations of the WCO.
In turn, WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders expressed his gratitude for the hospitality, outlined the organization's key goals and objectives at the current stage, and highly commended the results of the reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic.
"We see excellent results from Kyrgyzstan regarding the digitalization of customs procedures and the improvement of administration. The WCO is fully prepared to support the country and provide the necessary assistance in this and other key areas," noted Ian Saunders.
Adylbek Kasymaliev expressed his appreciation for this positive assessment of the work being done, emphasizing that the doors of the Kyrgyz Republic are always open to fruitful cooperation and new joint initiatives.
At the conclusion of the meeting, in recognition of his significant personal contribution to the development of international customs cooperation, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev presented WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders with a Certificate of Honor from the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
