German Foreign Minister Steinmeier visits OSCE Academy in Bishkek

BISHKEK, 6 November 2006 - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the OSCE Academy in Bishkek on Saturday.

During a discussion with students, Dr. Steinmeier reflected on the European Union's foreign policy towards Central Asia and called for a stronger European engagement in the region. He also underlined the significant role the OSCE plays in assisting Central Asia in the political, economic and social transition.

The Minister answered students' questions which covered topics such as the current political development in Kyrgyzstan, the presidential election in Tajikistan and the Kazakhstan's bid for the 2009 OSCE chairmanship.

The visit to Bishkek was part of the Minister's five-day trip to Central Asia. He was accompanied by members of the German Bundestag and representatives of the media and business.