President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic hosted Prince Rahim Aga Khan on March 1, in a meeting aimed at bolstering cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the presidential press service reported. The discussions primarily revolved around avenues of collaboration in education, ecology, and the green economy, underscoring the longstanding partnership between the two entities.
Acknowledging Prince Aga Khan IV's considerable contributions to fostering ties between Kyrgyzstan and the AKDN, President Japarov expressed gratitude for the network's role in enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations in Kyrgyzstan's mountainous regions. He also extended appreciation to the ethnic Kyrgyz residing in the Greater and Lesser Pamirs of Afghanistan for their supportive endeavors.
Of particular emphasis was the University of Central Asia in Naryn, lauded by President Japarov for its pivotal role in providing quality education not only to Kyrgyz youth but also to students across Central Asia and Afghanistan.
President Japarov underscored the urgency of collaboration in environmental conservation, especially in the face of climate change, and invited the AKDN to join efforts in mitigating its adverse effects while fostering sustainable development in mountainous regions.
In response, Prince Rahim Aga Khan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and fruitful discussions, highlighting the mutual successes achieved since the AKDN's inception in Kyrgyzstan in 2001. He stressed the importance of deepening cooperation to align with Kyrgyzstan's national priorities and offered continued support in this regard. Prince Aga Khan also commended Kyrgyzstan's strides in economic and foreign policy matters and acknowledged the government's proactive stance on climate change and environmental preservation.
Both parties expressed confidence in the continued productive partnership between Kyrgyzstan and the AKDN, aimed at enhancing citizens' well-being and advancing the nation's development goals.
For over two decades, AKDN agencies have been actively engaged in Kyrgyzstan, striving to elevate the quality of life across various sectors. An Agreement of Cooperation, ratified in 2001, has facilitated collaborative efforts in sustainable human development, leading to the establishment of institutions and programs spanning education, economic development, rural support, culture, health, and habitat conservation.
AKDN's footprint extends across all seven provinces of Kyrgyzstan, addressing locally identified development needs. Initiatives include the Aga Khan School in Osh, founded in 2002, and the University of Central Asia, established in 2000, both contributing significantly to education accessibility and quality in the region.
The Aga Khan Foundation, since 2007, has spearheaded initiatives supporting rural economies, early childhood education, e-health, and youth skill development, with its flagship program, Schools2030, set to host a Global Forum in Bishkek in June 2024. In cultural preservation, the Aga Khan Music Programme collaborates with over 40 educational institutions to revitalize national musical traditions.
Driving economic growth, the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB), Jubilee Kyrgyzstan Insurance Company, and Accelerate Prosperity have been instrumental, particularly in remote and underserved areas, serving over 400,000 clients through 54 branches nationwide.
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