Kyrgyzstan proposes common tourist visa for Central Asia and Azerbaijan

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov proposed introducing a common tourist visa for foreigners wishing to visit Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.

He presented the initiative at an informal meeting of regional leaders at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Japarov said the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan had already backed the proposal. He called on other countries to join and suggested that their foreign ministries begin consultations.

He said a common visa could support joint tourism routes showcasing the region’s historical, cultural and natural heritage.