Nestled in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan emerges as a confident, proactive voice. In an exclusive talk with AnewZ, Foreign Minister Kulubaev shares a vision of resilient diplomacy, green growth, and cultural exchange, shaping a future on its own terms.
Addressing the geopolitical weight Central Asia now carries, Kulubaev emphasised both unity and sovereignty. “Central Asia is one of the regions that has gained serious strategic interest from many countries. Central Asia — and Kyrgyzstan included — is part of today’s globalised world, which is changing every single day.”
Kulubaev made it clear that collaboration and self-determination can coexist. “Naturally, we recognise that in today’s complex geopolitical conditions, Central Asian countries must move closer together and become more transparent with one another. Most importantly, we need to create an environment for joint development.”
He added: “While doing so, we remain mindful of our national interests. Every country has its own. We will continue to uphold them, but at the same time, we aim to deepen our integration.”
With its location at the crossroads of China and Europe, Kyrgyzstan is advancing efforts to become a key transit hub. “Yes, Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia, and major road routes from China to Europe — and from Europe to China — pass through our territory.”
The country is upgrading its border infrastructure and pursuing new transport corridors. “We’ve recently agreed with the People’s Republic of China on the potential opening of a third crossing — Bedel. Reconstruction work and infrastructure development are already underway.”
Kulubaev described Kyrgyzstan’s approach to attracting foreign capital: “Our government is doing everything possible to ensure that foreign investors feel at home here. That they have the right environment to operate in. And above all, that their business interests are protected.”
Water remains one of the region’s most sensitive topics. “Yes, this is indeed one of the most important issues in our relations with neighbouring countries,” Kulubaev acknowledged. “Kyrgyzstan is a country where many of the region’s water resources originate.”
The landmark Kambarata-1 project exemplifies a cooperative approach. “This project serves not only Kyrgyzstan’s interests but those of the entire region. Kambarata-1 is situated on the upper part of the river cascade. Once completed, it will generate electricity throughout the year.”
He also outlined Kyrgyzstan’s push for decentralised energy generation. “Our government has adopted a resolution allowing private investors to build such plants. The state commits to purchasing the electricity produced, which makes these projects more attractive to investors.”
Kulubaev placed special emphasis on growing ties with Azerbaijan. “We have now elevated our cooperation to the level of a strategic partnership.”
Tourism and cultural diplomacy are also part of the picture. “Issyk-Kul is one of Central Asia’s natural jewels,” he said, referring to the mountain lake where a five-star hotel is now under construction with Azerbaijani investment.
“We are very eager for President Ilham Aliyev to visit Issyk-Kul — to see both the cultural and investment opportunities firsthand.”
Despite limited resources, Kyrgyzstan aims to contribute to shaping the international agenda. “As a sovereign state, Kyrgyzstan takes clear and independent positions on a wide range of global issues.”
The country is campaigning for a seat on the UN Security Council. “We made the decision to nominate Kyrgyzstan for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027–2028. Our candidacy is supported by our neighbours and Central Asian partners — we aim to represent the entire region.”
He noted that platforms like “Central Asia–China,” “Central Asia–US,” and others offer valuable formats for cooperation. “We intend to continue using these formats to promote the interests of our region and our countries.”
Kyrgyzstan is feeling the brunt of the global climate emergency. “Each year we see [glaciers] melting, water levels decreasing — and in the future, this could lead to serious problems in terms of climate and water security.”
Kulubaev praised the results of COP29 in Baku: “One of the key outcomes was the agreement to create a $300 billion climate fund, which could be used to support global efforts to combat climate change.”
Domestically, Kyrgyzstan is investing in climate resilience. “We are also implementing real domestic measures to improve life in our mountain regions. This includes building roads where there were none, constructing schools, extending electricity lines, and launching greening and reforestation initiatives.”
In closing, Minister Kulubaev offered a message to the world: “Kyrgyzstan is a stable country, rich in natural resources and cultural heritage. It is open, democratic, and committed to upholding human rights and freedom of expression.”
His personal motivation? “What motivates me most is the vision of Kyrgyzstan as an independent, sovereign state with strong economic potential — a stable country where people feel safe, secure, and satisfied with their lives.”
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at ...
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, met on 14 October to discuss bilateral ties and key regional and inte...
Afghan authorities suspended BBC FM radio broadcasts nationwide on Tuesday (13 October), citing repeated but unspecified violations. The BBC said i...
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said late Monday that it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, vowing to carry out more attacks in the coming days.
Thousands of young Georgians leave the country each year in search of better economic opportunities, with many moving west. As questions grow over Georgia’s European path, AnewZ spoke to people who have emigrated about what it would take for them to return.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia hit at least six energy targets in deadly strikes across Ukraine, showing Moscow is unwilling to accept the energy ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to pilot drones. A source in Ukraine's Defence Ministry said the restrictions would make it harder for Kyiv's army to down Russian drones.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, met on 14 October to discuss bilateral ties and key regional and international issues.
Afghan authorities suspended BBC FM radio broadcasts nationwide on Tuesday (13 October), citing repeated but unspecified violations. The BBC said it was working with officials to restore the service.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reaffirmed his support for Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks, as U.S. President Donald Trump considers involving Türkiye in the Yemen conflict.
Pakistan and Oman called for restraint and diplomacy on Wednesday as they discussed the U.S.-Iran conflict, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and threats to vital Gulf shipping routes, with Muscat praising Islamabad’s mediation efforts.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is in Baku for the seventh Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit on 14–15 October, as Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan seek to turn stronger political ties into deeper economic cooperation.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment