MEETING OF THE MINISTER WITH THE EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY

Today, August 3, 2024, at the Central Office of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, a meeting was held between the Minister of Emergency Situations, Major General Boobek Azhikeev, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

The head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations expressed gratitude and appreciation to the European Union for its support, noting the long-standing and fruitful cooperation in the area of ​​increasing radiation safety and reducing the risks of disasters of both natural and man-made origin.

Gratitude was also expressed to the European Commission for the financial support provided by the ERA (Environmental Guidance Account).

During the bilateral meeting, issues of cooperation between the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic and the European Union were discussed, in particular, attention was focused on the implementation of joint projects in the field of reclamation of the uranium complex in the city of Mailuu-Suu.

In a conversation with the High Representative of the European Union, it was noted that the pollution of the regions' rivers

in the period from 2020 to 2022, the former uranium legacy sites in the village of Min-Kush in the Naryn region and the village of Shekaftar in the Jalal-Abad region were brought into a safe condition; in 2023, work began on the reclamation of the uranium complex in the city of Mailuu-Suu.

The Minister also added that cooperation within the framework of the ERA enables Central Asian countries to strengthen their potential for long-term management of reclaimed heritage sites in accordance with international standards.

Josep Borrell expressed satisfaction with the work carried out by the Ministry of Emergency Situations employees and confirmed the European Union's readiness to continue the work.

Following the meeting, the parties thanked each other for the meeting and expressed hope and readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Reference: In the period from 2017-2020, with the financial support of the European Union, a project was completed to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and develop a feasibility study for the reclamation of the uranium legacy complex in Mailuu-Suu. Priority activities were identified that provide for the reclamation of 16 tailings dumps, including the transfer of 4 tailings dumps to a safe location, dismantling and disposal of dilapidated buildings and structures of the former uranium production, and the conservation of mines and adits.

Also, in order to ensure environmental safety and sustainability of the project, additional engineering and survey work was carried out to determine the seismic resistance of protective engineering structures (dams, mudflow traps, etc.) at tailings ponds No. 5 and 7, which are planned for reclamation on site according to the project.

Based on the research results, a report was presented by a national expert.

According to the assessment of the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, the conclusions on the safety of tailings ponds presented by the national expert were confirmed. The optimal option is to move tailings ponds No. 5 and 7 to tailings pond No. 15, which is located 12 km higher in a safe place. Additional financial resources are required to carry out these works.

PRESS CENTER OF THE MINISTRY OF EMERCOM OF THE KR