Turkmenistan - Kyrgyzstan: further steps to diversify cooperation outlined

26.07.2024

From July 24 to 25, 2024, the sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Kyrgyz Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Humanitarian Cooperation was held in Cholpon-Ata.

At the meeting, the delegation of Turkmenistan was headed by the Minister of Energy of Turkmenistan A. Saparov, the Kyrgyz delegation was headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry B. Torobayev.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues related to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan in the energy sector were considered. The positive nature of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries was emphasized.

The parties also noted the need to deepen cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture, culture, tourism, and sports.

During the talks, the parties noted that trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan has increased 7 times over the past four years, and discussed ways to further increase it.

In this context, the need to take practical measures to create conditions for joint activities and provide maximum support to the business community was emphasized. It was proposed to jointly consider the issue of opening a bonded zone in Turkmenistan in order to develop trade infrastructure and postal operations in the field of e-commerce.

The parties also emphasized that Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan have significant potential in the transport and logistics sector due to their geographical location. In particular, the launch of a transport corridor from China through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan using the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi seaport will provide access to the Caspian Sea and the Russian Federation, opening up new economic opportunities for both countries.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the issue of a project to build a resort in Turkmenistan in the city of Cholpon-Ata, as well as projects in the fields of hydropower, healthcare, education and culture.

Following the sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Kyrgyz Commission, the final protocol was signed, and a ceremony of exchanging signed documents in the field of electricity import from Turkmenistan to the Kyrgyz Republic for 2025 was held.