AKIPRESS.COM - The United States is considering extending the visa period for Kyrgyzstan, U.S. Ambassador Lesslie Viguerie said during the meeting with the parliamentary group of Kyrgyzstan.

The parliamentary friendship group of Kyrgyzstan with the United States met with U.S. Ambassador Lesslie Viguerie. The meeting was attended by MPs Akylbek Tumonbaev, Balbak Tulobaev, Karim Khandzheza and head of the group Emil Toktoshev.

The parties discussed issues of expanding political and economic relations and inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries at the meeting, the Parliament's press service said.

"The expansion of inter-parliamentary cooperation is an important element for the development of our relations. U.S. Senator Gary Peters visited Kyrgyzstan in August and was received by Speaker of the Parliament Nurlanbek Shakiev. I hope you will contribute to the further development of inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries," Toktoshev noted.

Speaking about issuing American visas for citizens of Kyrgyzstan, MP Emil Toktoshev added that the youth of Kyrgyzstan are interested in traveling to the United States for the purpose of education and tourism. 

"Unfortunately, our citizens face a number of problems when obtaining visas, in particular, they often receive refusals," emphasized Emil Toktoshev, noting the need to consider the issue of simplifying the procedure for obtaining visas for citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

MP Balbak Tulobaev and Karim Khandzheza noted their interest in developing Kyrgyz-American relations, paying special attention to strengthening inter-parliamentary ties. MP Akylbek Tumonbaev emphasized that in addition to issues in expanding trade and economic cooperation, it is necessary to intensify ties between the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan and the U.S. Congress.

Ambassador Lesslie Viguerie indicated that, as part of his diplomatic activities, he intends to focus on developing relations between the two countries, in particular in the areas of economics, education, and health care. He expressed interest in strengthening inter-parliamentary ties.

The Ambassador added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic addressed the United States on the issuing of visas, and Washington is considering the issue of increasing the validity of the visa for Kyrgyzstan.