On May 24-28, 2009, the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic and the Union of Kyrgyz Cinematographers presented the first American Documentary Film Festival at Dom Kino in Bishkek.  The screening was followed by a discussion with visiting film experts: Margaret Brown, the winner of the Truer Than Fiction Award at the 2009 Spirit Awards, and Harrison Engle, director and producer of more than eighty documentary and dramatic productions. They also visited Kara-Balta and Osh.

The program was free, open to the public, and garnered a lot of interest and feedback. Program and synopsis 

ECA Alumni Reunion held on April 11 at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bishkek gathered together about 200 alumni from over Kyrgyzstan.  Deputy Chief of the mission Lee Litzenberger opened the event and awarded certificates of appreciation to twenty four active alumni and initiative groups. Deputies of the Parliament Kubanychbek Isabekov and Alisher Sabirov welcomed alumni emphasizing the importance of exchange programs in development of the country. Alumni Reunion agenda included presentation of successful alumni projects and international organizations programs and resources as well as discussion of the Priority Plan for 2010.

Osh, February 24, 2009.  More than 150 representatives of local government, donors, Kyrgyz and international companies, and NGOs celebrated the 15th anniversary of USAID partnership with Kyrgyzstan in a gathering at the Osh Oblast Administration building.

Present at the event Mr. Aaly Karashev, Osh Oblast Governor and Ms. Pat Shapiro, USAID Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, provided an overview of 15 years of partnership, while USAID partners and beneficiaries reiterated USAID’s role in providing assistance in the health care, education, and agricultural sectors.   

Through USAID, the American people have provided over $400 million dollars worth of assistance over these past 15 years in support of reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic

 Learn more about USAID programs in Kyrgyzstan in English and Kyrgyz.

General Petraeus visit to the Kyrgyz Republic

Charge d’Affairs of the U.S. Embassy, Earle D. Litzenberger on behalf of American people delivers season's greetings and wishes of happiness, good health, and stability for a happy New Year to every family in Kyrgyzstan. text in Russian and Kyrgyz

Bishkek, December 4, 2008.  Kyrgyz government representatives, donors, local and international companies, and civil society leaders celebrated the 15th anniversary of USAID partnership with Kyrgyzstan in a gathering at the A. Maldybaev Opera and Ballet Theater.

"Through USAID, the American people have provided over $400 million dollars worth of assistance over these past 15 years in support of reforms in a wide range of sectors. I know that this assistance has been felt in so many areas of Kyrgyz society, from auctions of the agricultural Land Reserve Fund to healthcare policy, from the development of vibrant non-governmental organizations to fiscal decentralization, and in many other areas," said Charge d’Affairs of the U.S. Embassy, Earle D. Litzenberger.

Guests saw a video highlighting 15 years of collaboration and visited exhibits of USAID projects presented by implementing partners that showcased work produced with USAID assistance.  Learn more about USAID programs in Kyrgyzstan in English and Kyrgyz.