Adylbek Kasymaliev, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, met with Peter Sorensen, who is the Chairman of the European Union Aviation Safety Committee and Deputy Head of the Security Unit of the European Commission.
The main issue on the agenda was the exclusion of Kyrgyz airlines from the EU aviation safety list. Rémi Duflo, the Ambassador of the European Union to Kyrgyzstan, was also present at the meeting.
Kasymaliev noted that Sorensen's visit is of particular significance for the country.
“We consider our interaction with the European Union as a priority direction and highly value the professional approach of European institutions to aviation safety issues,” emphasized Adylbek Kasymaliev.
The head of the Cabinet highlighted that, thanks to the decision of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, the State Agency for Civil Aviation was established, which contributed to the creation of a modern structure for state regulation, enhanced control, and the implementation of ICAO international standards.
Kasymaliev also shared specific achievements of the reforms. According to him, the number of passengers increased from 3.9 million in 2021 to over 6 million in 2025, and the number of flights rose from 34,000 to 52,000, representing a growth of 53%. All 11 airports in the country have been restored and modernized.
“We have already begun the practical implementation of plans for long-haul transportation: two Airbus A321 aircraft have been acquired, and by 2030 we plan to lease another 10 aircraft,” added Kasymaliev. He noted that the systematic approach to reforms is confirmed by an international audit, which shows the level of implementation of ICAO standards in Kyrgyzstan at 85.76%.
Peter Sorensen, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the results achieved. He noted significant changes in legislation and improvements in the regulatory framework, emphasizing that the European side is impressed by the progress made during this period. Sorensen also highly appreciated the level of support for the aviation sector from the Kyrgyz government and confirmed the existence of productive contact with the Director of the Civil Aviation Agency, Daniyar Bostanov, expressing readiness for further cooperation.
Sorensen added that the current visit is part of an open assessment process, and a final decision will be made at the meeting of the relevant EU committee in May 2026.
Summarizing the meeting, Adylbek Kasymaliev confirmed that the Kyrgyz Republic will continue to strengthen its legislative and institutional framework in the aviation sector. “This issue remains a priority for us. I am confident that a positive decision from the EU will create new opportunities for the development of both aviation and the economy of our country,” he concluded.
The record of the discussion on the exclusion of Kyrgyz aviation from the EU "blacklist" appeared for the first time on K-News.
