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.”
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, as Reut...
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and D...
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celeb...
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconfer...
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stabilit...
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the trend is supported by investment activity, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure projects.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 are without a job in the country, according to World Bank data.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara, following growing pressure over the UK's military spending commitments.
Hundreds of protesters have torn down fences surrounding a planned luxury development site in Albania, as public anger continues to mount over construction in environmentally sensitive areas.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the trend is supported by investment activity, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure projects.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 are without a job in the country, according to World Bank data.
Kazakhstan’s ruling Amanat party has announced it will merge with a party launched only a month ago by allies of the country’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
An Indian pollution regulator has accused a Tata components factory supplying Apple iPhones of contaminating groundwater near farmland with wastewater, raising the prospect of a forced shutdown unless the company provides a satisfactory response.
Uzbekistan will launch a new digital financial platform from 1 July aimed at simplifying access to finance for entrepreneurs, as part of broader efforts to support small businesses, encourage innovation and accelerate private sector development.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment