Bishkek:Kyrgyzstan is currently engaged in negotiations with Germany and Austria to establish pension agreements aimed at protecting the pension rights of its citizens working abroad. This was announced by Baktiyar Aliev, the Chairman of the Social Fund, during an appearance on the "Open Cabinet" program on Birinchi Radio.
According to 24.kg News Agency, Aliev mentioned that negotiations with Austria have progressed to the stage of coordinating an intergovernmental agreement. A document has been signed with the head of Austria's pension fund, yet further government procedures, including approval by the parliament, are necessary before the agreement can be fully implemented.
Talks with Germany are also in progress, with representatives from the German pension fund expected to visit Kyrgyzstan in April 2027. Aliev expressed optimism that the agreement with Germany will be finalized in 2027.
Aliev highlighted the challenges faced in these negotiations with European countries, noting the need for repeated requests to foreign partners and the involvement of international pension fund associations to facilitate contact. Currently, Kyrgyzstan is in discussions for pension agreements with approximately 20 countries.
The Social Fund chairman hopes that successful agreements with Austria and Germany will expedite negotiations with other European nations, such as France and Italy. He anticipates that Kyrgyzstan will conclude agreements with a significant number of European countries in the next four to five years.
Aliev also referenced an existing agreement on pension provision for workers from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states, in effect since 2021. Kyrgyzstan has also established pension agreements with Turkey and South Korea, and a document with China has been signed.
These international pension agreements aim to regulate the recognition of employment periods, pension rights, and benefit payments for citizens who have worked in different countries, with specific arrangements depending on the terms of each agreement.