Kaktus.media editorial team asked Giuseppina Princi questions about the current state and prospects of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the EU.
- How do you assess Kyrgyzstan's position in the context of economic dependence on Russia, considering EU sanctions?- We believe that strengthening the partnership with Kyrgyzstan is of strategic importance for Europe. In the context of the changing geopolitical situation, we aim to expand trade relations with all our partners, including Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries.
Our initiatives are aimed at providing real support to the countries in the region. The European Parliament expresses a clear position on these issues.
It is important for countries working with Russia to adhere to sanctions, even while maintaining trade relations with China and Russia. We are discussing the possibility of distancing from these ties.- What is the European Parliament's position regarding laws concerning NGOs and the media?- The European Parliament is clearly aware of the challenges faced by non-governmental organizations and civil society in light of these changes. We do not want activists to find themselves in difficult conditions while defending human rights.
Kyrgyzstan maintains bilateral relations with many countries, including the EU, and we strive to ensure compliance with international standards in legislation.
While we cannot dictate terms, it is crucial that all laws take into account the principles of democracy, as well as the opinion of the Ministry of Justice. We plan to discuss these issues at meetings, as the country strives for democratic values that imply pluralism of opinions and media independence. Journalists should have the ability to work freely and objectively.
For NGOs, it is necessary to create conditions for working for the benefit of society without pressure. In 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning what we consider to be illegitimate arrests of journalists and activists. We attach great importance to maintaining friendly relations between the European Parliament and the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan, which is why we raise these issues at meetings.
Our position is that the law requiring the registration of NGOs should not restrict their freedom of activity, as democratic values should be considered under any circumstances.
I want to emphasize that Kyrgyzstan has historically prided itself on its reputation as a country with a high level of freedom of speech and media, and I hope that this situation remains unchanged.
We will continue to support Kyrgyzstan on issues of freedom and human rights.- What are the EU's priorities in relations with Kyrgyzstan in the coming years?- As I mentioned, one of the priority areas of our cooperation is water resource management, which is directly related to the sustainable development of the country. This poses a serious challenge for many countries, including Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan must strive for more effective water resource management and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This issue requires resolution, as it does in other countries.Achieving progress within international agreements is extremely important. We have joint programs aimed at addressing these challenges. Education is also an important priority for us, and we want to continue strengthening our cooperation in this area.
Quality education plays a key role in economic development and improving the standard of living. Therefore, we support students in Kyrgyzstan and want them to have every opportunity to become effective human resources capable of making a significant contribution to the economy, social well-being, and strengthening democracy. We also hope that the state will pay more attention to civil society and human rights.
- Is it possible to strengthen the role of the European Union in Central Asia against the backdrop of growing influence from China and the USA?- Last year, Kyrgyzstan made the decision to develop cooperation with the European Union, and we support this initiative. We will continue to work on improving relations.
As for the positions of the USA, they also seek to strengthen ties with Central Asia in response to changes in the geopolitical situation. We are closely monitoring the events occurring between Russia and Ukraine, as well as in Gaza. We hope for positive developments in relations between countries on the international stage.
We highly value our business relations with your country.
High-level meetings contribute to improving our relations. We admire the nature of Kyrgyzstan, its beautiful mountains, and hospitable people, as well as its magnificent cuisine. We want every resident of this country to experience such happiness.
Much of the landscape and character of the people remind me of my homeland in Italy. I always enjoy seeing happy faces and shining eyes. I am convinced that regardless of where they live, people strive for prosperity and a better life.
