On January 21 and 22, 2026, events were held in Bishkek organized by the embassies of France and Germany in honor of the 63rd anniversary of the Élysée Treaty and the 7th anniversary of the Aachen Treaty. These agreements formed the basis for reconciliation between two countries that were previously in a state of fierce confrontation but now represent one of the strongest alliances in Europe.
As part of the anniversary events, a panel discussion took place at the National Historical Museum, dedicated to the influence of Franco-German cooperation on international relations. High-profile representatives participated in the discussion: Dr. Niklas Wagner, Director of the Department for Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia at the German Foreign Office; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Meder Abakirov; French Ambassador Nicolas Fay; German Ambassador Monika Lenhardt; and European Union Ambassador Remi Duflo.
During the discussion, experts examined the lessons learned from the historical reconciliation between Germany and France, as well as the contribution of this partnership to the stabilization of peace in Europe. Participants noted how the experience of the two countries could be beneficial for Central Asia, where states are striving to develop regional cooperation, joint economic projects, and the free movement of citizens.
Monika Lenhardt, the German Ambassador, emphasized in an interview with a correspondent from VB.KG that the Élysée Treaty remains the foundation of strong relations between the two countries. She highlighted the remarkable nature of the reconciliation after a long confrontation and stressed that this reconciliation launched a unique model of cooperation that became one of the foundations of the European Union.
Lenhardt also spoke about the new German-French Cultural Institute, which was established in Bishkek in accordance with the Aachen Treaty of 2019. There are only four such institutes in the world, and Bishkek proudly joins their ranks. The institute has already begun its activities, conducting cultural events and implementing joint projects, with an official opening expected in the coming year.
Nicolas Fay, the French Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, noted that the Élysée Treaty became a starting point for bringing France and Germany closer together in political, economic, and cultural spheres. He highlighted the establishment of the Franco-German Youth Office, which opened access to exchange programs for ten million young people, as well as the launch of the Arte television channel and the development of joint cultural initiatives, including the French Cultural Center in Bishkek.
According to the ambassador, cooperation between the two countries can serve as an inspiring example for Central Asia, where states seek to strengthen ties and develop creative industries. Franco-German programs in Kyrgyzstan aimed at youth can become a kind of bridge to European languages, culture, and modern approaches in creative professions.
Deputy Foreign Minister Meder Abakirov also noted that the consistent actions of Germany and France are shaping a balanced policy of the European Union towards Central Asia. He emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and expanding partnership with the EU, especially in the context of regional cooperation.
Abakirov reminded that in March 2025, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan signed an important trilateral agreement on border issues, which was a step towards building trust and creating a legal framework for resolving territorial disputes.
The conference demonstrated that the experience of Franco-German reconciliation shows that even the most difficult conflicts can be overcome with political will and mutual respect. In the face of modern challenges to the international order, such dialogues become particularly relevant.
In conclusion, the participants of the discussion expressed confidence that such meetings would contribute to strengthening relations between the European Union and Central Asia, as well as developing cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and youth initiatives.
