By IANS,
New Delhi : Ahead of presidential polls, the energy-rich central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan Friday sought India’s support for the holding of elections in the country, scheduled for October this year.
India and Kyrgyzstan also discussed the volatile situation in Afghanistan and sought to expand transport connectivity in the region when Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister Nurlan Aitmurzaev held talks with Indian officials here.
Aitmurzaev held delegation-level foreign office consultations with the Indian side, led by Sanjay Singh, secretary (east) in the external affairs ministry.
“They discussed important regional and global issues, including the situation in Afghanistan. The issue of transport connectivity between India and Central Asia was in focus during the consultations,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.
“The Kyrgyz side expressed interest in enhancing the training of Kyrgyz experts under India’s ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) programme and in increasing technical cooperation in the conduct of elections,” the ministry said.
Aitmurzaev sought enhanced cooperation with India’s Election Commission when he met Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi. He also called on Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed.
More than 25 candidates are expected to vie for the top post during Kyrgyzstan’s presidential elections.