Minister Yelich Wraps Up Productive Visit to Kyrgyz Republic

May 21, 2014 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today wrapped up a successful visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, where she advanced Canada’s social, political and economic interests, as well as religious freedom, in the region.

During her visit Minister Yelich met with various members of the Kyrgyz government, including Prime Minister Joomart Otorbayev, Valery Dil, Deputy Prime Minister Responsible for Economy and Investment Climate, and Orozbek Moldaliev, Director of the State Commission on Religious Affairs.

“Our two countries have a budding relationship, which has continued to grow since the Kyrgyz Republic became a genuine parliamentary democracy in Central Asia, following the Tulip Revolution and consolidation of its democratic gains in 2010,” said Minister Yelich. “I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Kyrgyz government to discuss ways in which we can continue to work together to enhance prosperity, democracy, the rule of law and security in the region.”

While in the Kyrgyz Republic, Minister Yelich also met with academic and civil society leaders, with whom she held constructive discussions on the issue of human rights and religious freedom.

“This was a good opportunity to engage various government and civil society leaders on the issue of religious freedom, which is a foreign policy priority for Canada,” said Minister Yelich. “Canada strongly believes that when religious freedom, pluralism, and peace and security are fostered, this allows for the growth of strong democratic institutions and long-term prosperity.”

Minister Yelich wrapped up her visit by meeting with a number of business leaders, with whom she promoted Canada’s investment ties in the country.

“With a number of Canadian mining companies already active in the country, the Kyrgyz Republic holds great potential in the extractive sector,” said Minister Yelich. “We are working hard to build on our commercial relationship, and my visit has helped confirm that we are headed in the right direction.”

Minister Yelich will next visit Kazakhstan, where she will meet with various government leaders and attend the Astana Economic Forum to take part in a panel discussion on women in new economies.

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Saro Khatchadourian
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