Keldibekov, invited to Turkey by Turkish Parliament Speaker Cemil Çiçek, is accompanied by a large group of businessmen and journalists. In an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman in Bishkek over the weekend, Keldibekov said Kyrgyzstan perceives Turkey's parliamentary system as a model.
Recalling that Turkey was the first country to extend a helping hand to Kyrgyzstan when ethnic conflict erupted between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in 2010, he underscored that the country will not forget the assistance Turkey gave last year. “There has been very good cooperation between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan since we declared our independence [from the Soviet Union] in various fields from finance to security and culture,” he said. However, the Kyrgyz parliament speaker also complained about the low volume of trade between the two countries and called on Turkish businessmen to invest in Kyrgyzstan, commenting on its amended trade laws, which has eased procedures for foreign investors.
Keldibekov said the Kyrgyz authorities are considering extending the one-month visa-free travel between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey for Turks and removing visa and work permit requirements for Turks. He said they would launch the new system step by step, adding that Kyrgyzstan also aspires to strengthen relations with Russia and China.
Education plays an important role in the cooperation between the two nations as well. According to Keldibekov, Turkish schools in Kyrgyzstan have a special place in the country. “The International Sebat Educational Institution, which operates in Kyrgyzstan, has an exclusive place in our eyes. In addition, we have Manas University founded by Turkey, and it is one of the most successful universities in Central Asia,” he said, adding that his daughter had studied at the Silk Road International School, affiliated with the Sebat Educational Institution. “With the contribution they make to our education system and their students who represent Kyrgyzstan in international science competitions, these schools are a source of pride for us,” he added.
Published on Today's Zaman, 26 September 2011, Monday
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