They also exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest

India and the Kyrgyz Republic discussed ways to increase bilateral trade and investment during the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Bishkek on Monday.

During the consultations, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of their bilateral ties in diverse areas including Political, Economic, Commercial, Defence, Development Partnership, Capacity Building, Education, Consular Matters, Cultural cooperation and Connectivity, said India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The two sides examined the implementation of the decisions taken during the First India-Central Asia Summit held on 27th January, 2022. The discussions also included how to increase trade and investment between the two countries, the MEA added.

India and the Kyrgyz Republic also exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest and agreed to strengthen their cooperation in UN and other multilateral forums.

The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs Sanjay Verma and the Kyrgyz delegation was led Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aibek Muhtarovich Artykbaev.

Secretary (West) Verma extended an invitation to Deputy Foreign Minister Artykbaev to visit India for the next round of Foreign Office Consultations to be held on a mutually convenient date.

During this visit, the Secretary (West) also had a meeting with Deputy Minister of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic Indira Sharshenova. "The possibilities of cooperation in the field of IT sector, including sharing of experience from India’s digital initiatives were discussed," said the MEA.