Benelux, Safety

The Benelux signs two agreements with Kyrgyzstan

18 Jun. 2025

The Benelux countries – Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg – today signed two agreements with the Kyrgyz Republic. These concern, on the one hand, the mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports, and on the other hand, a readmission agreement regarding the return of individuals staying illegally in the Benelux territory.

The signing ceremony took place at the Benelux House in Brussels. Belgium was represented by Joris Salden, Director General for Consular Affairs, the Netherlands by Ambassador Brechje Schwachöfer, and Luxembourg by Ambassador Jean-Louis Thill. Kyrgyzstan was represented by Aidit Erkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium and Head of the Kyrgyz Mission to the European Union.

A unique Benelux framework
The agreements were concluded within the unique framework of Benelux cooperation. Since the 1960 Treaty, the three countries have coordinated their policies on the entry, residence, and return of foreign nationals. In the case of Kyrgyzstan, Belgium led these negotiations on behalf of the Benelux.

With this signing, the total number of readmission agreements concluded under the Benelux framework now stands at 23. Similar agreements have already been signed with, among others, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Suriname, as well as with several EU Member States and countries in the Balkans.

A link between Central Asia and Europe
Although the Kyrgyz community in the Benelux is relatively small – estimated at a few hundred individuals – it plays an active role as a cultural bridge between Central Asia and Northwestern Europe. Many Kyrgyz nationals in the Benelux work in IT, logistics, or are pursuing studies at Flemish and Dutch universities.

These new agreements not only strengthen diplomatic and migration ties but also underscore the role of the Benelux as a platform for international cooperation.

“These agreements build tangible bridges between Europe and Central Asia, in a climate of mutual trust,” said Frans Weekers, Secretary-General of the Benelux.

Michel-Etienne Tilemans, Deputy Secretary-General, added: “It is an honor for the Benelux to be the first official depository of these agreements with Kyrgyzstan – a fine example of pragmatic and united cooperation.”