Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu and Farah Karimi in Bishkek, 25 April 2025BISHKEK, 28 April 2025 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Central Asia, Farah Karimi (Netherlands), has concluded a two-day official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic focused on strengthening regional co-operation, advancing climate resilience, and promoting clean energy solutions. She was accompanied by Ainur Argynbekova, Deputy Head of the Delegation of Kazakhstan to the OSCE PA.
In Bishkek, the OSCE PA delegation was received by the Speaker of the Parliament, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, and the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Asein Isaev. Discussions centred on the development of parliamentarism, Kyrgyzstan’s co-operation with the OSCE and the OSCE PA, and broader regional dynamics. Particular attention was given to the historic border agreements reached in March 2025 between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and the adoption of the Khujand Declaration between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
“The historic agreements reached last month between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are examples of peaceful resolution of conflicts and provide hope, especially at a time where there are so many ongoing wars and violent conflicts. These agreements will undoubtedly have a positive impact not only on trade and economic opportunities but also on the daily lives of people across the region,” said Karimi. “They also pave the way for deeper regional dialogue and co-operation on shared challenges such as climate change and water scarcity. The OSCE PA, through its instruments of parliamentary diplomacy, and the OSCE, through its field operations, can help support further confidence-building and the development of resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking societies where all voices are heard.”
Ainur Argynbekova, Meder Mashiev and Farah Karimi in Bishkek, 25 April 2025The delegation also met with the Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, Meder Mashiev, to discuss Kyrgyzstan’s climate policy priorities, including the protection of mountainous ecosystems, the reduction of carbon emissions, the green energy transition, and climate financing. Karimi underscored the strong collaboration among Central Asian delegations within the OSCE PA, in particular the adoption of a joint resolution at the 2024 OSCE PA Annual Session on addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change and water scarcity through enhanced regional co-operation and parliamentary dialogue.
Highlighting the value of regular joint Central Asian initiatives within the OSCE PA, Argynbekova emphasized the importance of sharing best practices and jointly addressing common challenges: “These exchanges allow us to learn from one another and develop effective responses to shared concerns. They help shape more sustainable and impactful strategies in areas such as climate change and water management,” she said.
During the visit, which took place 25-26 April, the delegation also held meetings with Ombudsperson Dzhamilia Dzhamanbaeva and representatives of civil society organizations to discuss human rights, the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities, prevention of torture and gender-based violence, and freedom of assembly and media. Recent legislative developments and their impact on the development of democratic institutions in Kyrgyzstan were also addressed.
At the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, the delegation was briefed by Ambassador Alexey Rogov and his team on ongoing initiatives across all three OSCE dimensions, aimed at strengthening regional security and fostering an open, resilient society.“Our discussions with all interlocutors in this visit confirmed that Kyrgyzstan sees the OSCE as an important and reliable partner in supporting development efforts and fulfilling OSCE commitments in the political, economic and environmental, and human dimensions,” noted Karimi.
On Saturday, the delegation also visited the OSCE Academy in Bishkek – a flagship regional initiative and a recognized centre of academic excellence – where they met with the newly appointed Director, Dr. Pal Dunay, along with faculty, staff and students from five different countries. Discussions focused on youth education, regional academic engagement, as well as the need for sustainable funding to keep pace with the Academy’s continued growth, which has enabled it to become the top ranked academic institution in Kyrgyzstan. Karimi also delivered a lecture entitled “Civil Society’s Role in Safeguarding Human Rights: Navigating Geopolitical Crises and the Erosion of International Law,” followed by an interactive discussion with students.
The programme concluded with a field visit to the mountains outside of the capital and a discussion on OSCE projects in the area of promoting environmental awareness with Eduard Kubatov, accomplished mountaineer and President of the Federation of Mountaineering and Sport Climbing of the Kyrgyz Republic.
This visit marked Special Representative Karimi’s fourth official visit to the region in her current role, following previous visits to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in 2024. On Monday she will join a 15-member OSCE PA delegation led by President Pia Kauma (Finland) on a three-day visit to Tajikistan.
For more on the work of the Special Representative on Central Asia, please click here.
