Seven councillors from Kyrgyzstan visited Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) last month (January 24). 

The visit was arranged by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) to enable the visiting Councillors to gain a better understanding of British democratic and governance practices.

The delegation met with the Leader of Mole Valley District Council, Councillor Vivienne Michael, the Council’s CEO, Karen Brimacombe and Council officers.

Cllr Michael said that the exchange had been a great success and hoped the delegation had learnt a little about local democracy in the UK. 

Cllr Michael said: "We were delighted to host the delegation and explain how our Council runs.  It was a packed agenda and they were very interested in all aspects of our work, particularly governance and decision making, communications and how we make the best use of council land.

“We hope that the short time they spent with us has helped give them some insight into British local government."

The Councillors were from the cities of Balykchy, Batken, Karakol and Naryn in Kyrgyzstan and were accompanied by WFD’s Country Representative for Kyrgyzstan, a WFD London staff member and a translator.

During the visit the group learnt about MVDC’s current projects, including the Transform Leatherhead initiative.

The Kyrgyz delegation also visited Meadowbank Football Ground and the Soft Play area in Dorking during the exchange. 

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country in central Asia, lying on the famous Silk Road trading route between China and Europe.