The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with Kyrgyz Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Akylbek Japarov. They discussed USAID’s long standing support for the people of the Kyrgyz Republic, in areas including education, agriculture, and health, as well as opportunities for strengthening cooperation on bolstering economic development, trade, digitalization, and investment in rural communities. Chairman Japarov highlighted the Kyrgyz Republic’s economic advances and commitment to growing investments in clean energy. Administrator Power underscored President Biden’s support for the C5+1 goal of seeking regional solutions to global challenges as well as USAID’s work to deepen partnerships between the United States and Central Asian countries.
Administrator Power detailed the U.S. government’s strong concerns about the recently approved “Foreign Representatives” law and pending “Law on Mass Media,” underscoring the potential that such laws will cause key development partners on health, education, governance, and media to leave the Kyrgyz Republic or significantly decrease funding, imperiling development progress and shared development objectives. She emphasized the importance of democratic institutions and accountability for global investment, anti-corruption progress, and responsive governance.