Europe Day Remarks by H.E. Remi Duflot, EU Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan

Dear Partners and Friends of the European Union,

Welcome to the Celebration of Europe Day!

In Kyrgyz culture, there is a saying: "Тынчтык бар жерде ырыс бар": "Where there is peace, there is prosperity." It reflects simple but powerful ideas that also lie at the heart of the European project. Cooperation is stronger than conflict. Dialogue achieves more than confrontation. Lasting peace and prosperity are built through shared responsibility and shared destiny.

Seventy-six years after the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, these ideas remain as relevant as ever.

In our times of growing global fragmentation and pressure on the international order, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principles of the United Nations Charter matter greatly.

From its own history, Europe knows that international relations must be governed by rules, not by spheres of influence. Nations should be free to choose their own future and develop partnerships according to their own interests and aspirations.

Kyrgyzstan is playing an increasingly important role in a rapidly changing region. It is a young, dynamic and outward-looking country. The European Union values its contribution to regional stability, connectivity and economic growth across Central Asia.

For this reason, our relations with the Kyrgyz Republic matter. We may be far away geographically, but politically we are close - and can come even closer.

Over recent years, cooperation between the European Union and Kyrgyzstan has become broader, deeper and more ambitious. I want to express my gratitude to the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and to all institutional partners for the constructive dialogue and the progress achieved together.

A major milestone in our relations was the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in June 2024. The EPCA creates a much stronger framework to deepen economic and sectoral cooperation. It will open many new opportunities for citizens, businesses and young people.

Our partnership is also built on shared commitments. History shows that sustainable stability and prosperity depend on trusted institutions, rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights. We will continue working together in these areas, as we do today with the Ministry of Justice and the Ombudsperson.

Our cooperation is measured not only in agreements, but in tangible benefits for citizens. And it is delivering visible results.

Through the Global Gateway, and together with EU Member States, we are investing in stronger connections between Europe and Central Asia.

In energy and water security, we are supporting the Kambarata-1 hydropower project. European institutions have committed over two billion euros to this project of major regional significance.

We are also strengthening digital connectivity. The EU's Digital Budget Support programme - the first of its kind in Asia - supports e-government services and stronger digital governance and sovereignty. It also helps expand secure digital access, including in remote areas.

Education is another cornerstone of our cooperation. Through Erasmus+ and other programmes implemented together with EU Member States, hundreds of Kyrgyz students benefit from scholarships and academic exchange every year.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Europe Day is ultimately about confidence in the future. It is the belief, which requires conviction and courage, that countries achieve more through cooperation than confrontation or aggression, and more through dialogue than division.

The European Union's strength has always come from openness, cooperation and respect for human dignity. These same principles will continue to guide our relations with the Kyrgyz Republic.

Together, we can continue building a future that is more peaceful, prosperous, sustainable and connected: for our citizens, and for the wider region.

Чоң рахмат.