Published: 14 July 2015 г.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, 13 July 2015 – Asylbek Jeenbekov, the Speaker of Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic received Mr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Diplomatic Representative for the Kyrgyz Republic and Executive Chairman, the Board Executive Committee of the University of Central Asia (UCA), who briefed him on current and planned AKDN initiatives in the country.
“The AKDN’s long-term and trusted partnership with the Kyrgyz Republic has made a significant contribution to development of the country, especially to its rural and mountainous regions. The Parliament highly values its partnership with the AKDN and remains supportive of its programmes in the country,” underlined the Speaker during the meeting.
Mr. Kassim-Lakha briefed the Speaker on the current progress of major AKDN initiatives in the country, including the construction of the UCA Naryn Campus which is progressing on schedule to admit its first cohort of undergraduate students in September 2016. He also touched upon the AKDN multi-input area development initiative for Naryn. Both sides agreed that these strategic investments along with other national projects would serve as a springboard for the development of Naryn into an economically vibrant region.
Mr Kassim-Lakha expressed his appreciation for the continued personal support of the Speaker and that of the Parliament extended to the AKDN. “The Kyrgyz Republic is fortunate to have a democratic system with Jogorku Kenesh that has a wise leadership working towards improvement of the quality of life of the people of Kyrgyzstan. It is reassuring that the Parliament values the positive contribution of civil society and recognises the important role it can play towards socio-economic development of the country,” underlined Mr Kassim-Lakha.
Since 2002, AKDN has been supporting the establishment of institutions and programmes that help develop an economically dynamic, politically stable and intellectually and culturally vibrant Kyrgyz Republic. Its programmes range from
financial institutions, including the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank and the First MicroCredit Company to support for the “tradition-bearers” of
Kyrgyz music and oral recitation in several districts. Its
rural development, health and education projects in Alai and Chon Alai districts of the Osh Oblast and Naryn Oblast are implemented through the Aga Khan Foundation and its implementing partner, Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP).
Note:
The Aga Khan Development Network
His Highness the Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society.