APA conducted an exclusive interview with the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Azerbaijan, Maksat Mamytkanov.
Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan share overlapping goals across many platforms
— How have economic and political relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan developed in recent years?
— Political relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan are supported at the highest level, and these ties are aimed at consistent development in the future. Our presidents attach great importance to this. The frequent visits of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Sadyr Nurgojoyevich Japarov, to Azerbaijan confirm this.
Our strategic partnership has deep roots and great prospects. Both Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan are interested in developing relations. In particular, recent high-level contacts show that our goals and objectives overlap across many platforms. These steps will only continue to develop.
In this regard, I should note that this year we expect a state visit of the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to Kyrgyzstan. The return visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Kyrgyzstan is a significant event for us. Comprehensive preparations are underway for the visit. Within the framework of the visit, it is expected that a meeting of the Intergovernmental Council will be held at the level of heads of state. We expect further development of political, economic, and other areas of cooperation from the visit of the President of Azerbaijan.
Also, when speaking about the development of relations between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, it should be specifically noted that within the framework of the Intergovernmental Council, a Cooperation Program between the governments of the two countries for 2024–2029 has been signed. Within this program, the parties are carrying out planned work to develop relations in various directions. The structure of the program identifies 14 important areas. They cover the economy, social life, education, and other fields relevant to the parties. Thus, our development has a systematic and planned nature both at the level of presidents and governments.
Carpet produced in Kyrgyzstan is becoming an export product sent to Azerbaijan within the framework of support for the restoration and modernization of Karabakh.
— How do you assess the role of the Azerbaijan–Kyrgyz Development Fund in the implementation of these bilateral programs? Which projects are financed through the Fund?
— The Azerbaijan–Kyrgyz Development Fund can already be called an effective financial institution that is dynamically developing and supports the implementation of programs between our countries. We express our gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijan for increasing the capitalization of the Fund to 100 million US dollars. Thanks to this, in 2025, the Fund financed 6 projects with a total amount of 17.8 million US dollars.
The Fund finances the construction of two small hydropower plants in the Issyk-Kul and Osh regions, the construction of social housing within the framework of the state housing program “My Home 2021–2026”, the construction of a modern medical cardiology center in the city of Osh, the establishment of carpet (kovrolin) production in the territory of the “Bishkek” free economic zone, and the construction of a modern sewing factory in the Chuy region.
— These projects not only create jobs in Kyrgyzstan, but also support the country’s export production potential. I would especially like to highlight the carpet production plant in the “Bishkek” FEZ. As far as I know, the goal is to meet the demand for this product in Karabakh. Thus, carpet produced in Kyrgyzstan with Azerbaijan’s financial support is becoming an export product sent to Azerbaijan within the framework of support for the restoration and modernization of Karabakh.
Also, within the framework of Kyrgyzstan’s support for the restoration of the liberated territories, last year, a full secondary school named after Aykol Manas, built by Kyrgyzstan in the village of Khydyrly in the Aghdam district, was put into operation. This school is one of the indicators confirming the strengthening and development of our fraternal relations through concrete steps, activities, and projects.
Kyrgyzstan has appealed to Azerbaijan with a request to consider the possibility of supporting shipbuilding at the Baku Shipyard
— What specific plans exist to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries?
— Speaking about the future development of economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, I would note that we have appealed to the Azerbaijani government with a proposal to consider the possibility of financing some investment projects in a targeted, pilot manner outside the framework of the Azerbaijan–Kyrgyz Development Fund, through other resources and opportunities.
— In December last year, the next meeting of the Azerbaijan–Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Commission was held. Our delegation, consisting of heads of a number of ministries and agencies interested in strengthening trade-economic, logistics, transport and other relations, visited Baku. Within the framework of the meeting, for example, the Kyrgyz side appealed to Azerbaijan with a request to consider the possibility of supporting shipbuilding at the Baku Shipyard in order to ensure future cargo transportation and transit, which will inevitably arise.
We are currently holding talks with Azerbaijan’s national air carrier AZAL on organizing seasonal charter flights from Baku to Issyk-Kul
— What is this related to?
— Since last year, the construction of the “China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan” railway, the largest and most ambitious transport project in Kyrgyzstan, has begun. This railway will create an additional and shortest route for the transit of cargo from China to Europe via Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, and then to the Caspian Sea. Our transport routes will expand. Taking into account the possibility of the implementation of the Zangezur corridor, cargo transportation via the Caspian Sea and Central Asia will be carried out through Azerbaijan’s ports, which will further increase opportunities. We must already be ready today for the inevitable increase in cargo flow. Within the framework of discussions of these projects, the possibilities of joint shipbuilding, joint financing of these works, as well as the creation of a joint shipping company are being considered. If these initiatives are supported, we would be very grateful to Azerbaijan.
In the field of trade, we are currently working on expanding the product nomenclature and increasing supply volumes. Our government has put forward an initiative to establish a Business Council between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan so that business circles and active entrepreneurs can find the most efficient and shortest ways to implement their plans. At the state level, we are creating the necessary conditions for this and stimulating the growth of mutual trade.
— The tourism sector is one of the main driving forces of the development of world economies on a global scale. Both Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan are interested in developing tourism potential. The experience of modernization and development of the tourism sector in Azerbaijan is very useful for Kyrgyzstan. We hope that our state institutions and private tourism companies will be able to adopt this positive experience in order to apply it in Kyrgyzstan. In order to bring tourism to the appropriate level, a special agency has been established in Kyrgyzstan. Our President has set the task for this body to turn tourism into a significant component of our economy.
Within the framework of developing tourism opportunities, we continue negotiations on increasing the frequency of flights of Azerbaijani aircraft to Kyrgyzstan. We started with one flight per week, and now we have reached three flights, but we should not be satisfied with this. We are currently holding talks with Azerbaijan’s national air carrier AZAL on organizing seasonal charter flights from Baku to Issyk-Kul. If we can organize such direct flights for tourists from Azerbaijan and other countries, this will, on the one hand, support the development of a tourism cluster at the lake, and on the other hand, will be beneficial for the faster formation and development of the hotel built by Azerbaijan, which will open this year.
Our airlines and airports are currently applying for support regarding the use of transit opportunities. China has a very large tourism potential, and we want tourists flying from China to Kyrgyzstan to be able to conveniently transit to Azerbaijan and then to other destinations.
— How do you assess the prospects of Kyrgyzstan joining the “Central Asia–Azerbaijan” Trans-Caspian green energy corridor project?
— Kyrgyzstan views positively the green corridor project implemented by Azerbaijan, together with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. We have stated that we would like to explore the possibilities of joining this project. We need to consider the options for joining this project from both legislative and institutional perspectives and determine how Kyrgyzstan can participate in its implementation.
— Kyrgyzstan has expressed interest in cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of space. At what stage are consultations in this direction currently?
— We have asked Azerbaijan for assistance in developing our competencies in the space sector. Azerbaijan’s experience, especially that of “Azercosmos”, will be very useful for creating a similar high-tech infrastructure for the use of aerospace capabilities in Kyrgyzstan. I think there are many more areas where Azerbaijan’s experience will be necessary and beneficial for us. We are focused on expanding our mutual activities and fraternal support to strengthen our capabilities and the foundations of brotherhood and friendship.
Preparations are underway for the visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan to participate in WUF13
— At what level will Kyrgyzstan be represented at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) to be held in Baku in May?
— The Kyrgyz side has already stated that participation will be at the highest level. Preparations are currently underway for our President’s visit to take part in this forum. This platform is important for our country, as Kyrgyzstan has been experiencing major economic changes and a broad construction boom as a result of reforms over the past five years. The construction sector is breaking records. There is a shortage of labor, rebar, and cement in the country. Our country is interested in applying international experience in modern urban planning, architecture, the modernization of old cities in line with contemporary realities, and especially in the fields of the protection of ecology and citizens’ lives and health. Therefore, the forum in Baku is very important for us.
Cooperation in the military sphere will continue to develop consistently
— What is the situation in the field of military-technical cooperation between the states?
— Currently, military-technical cooperation is carried out within the framework of contacts between our ministries authorized to conduct relevant work. The participation of our Minister of Defense in the Victory Parade held in Baku in November last year proves that our cooperation in this direction will develop intensively. This shows how interested Kyrgyzstan is in further developing cooperation in the military field. Cooperation in this direction will continue to develop consistently.
— How do you assess Kyrgyzstan’s role in the Organization of Turkic States? What new initiatives and projects are expected within this organization in the future?
— Kyrgyzstan, a member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), has its own goals and objectives to implement on this platform. For us, the main issue is the development of economic, cultural, humanitarian and social opportunities. Kyrgyzstan intends to make maximum use of all advantages within this union.
Kyrgyzstan is putting forward many initiatives. Recently, Baku hosted the heads of government/vice presidents of the OTS member states. This initiative came from Kyrgyzstan: the goal is to create an additional platform within the organization. The first meeting of the heads of government/vice presidents was held in Bishkek, and the second meeting has already been held in Baku. We thank all member states that supported this initiative. This platform is developing consistently, and we hope it will give an additional boost to the advancement of our initiatives and joint projects.
It is still early to talk about military cooperation within the OTS
— How do you see the prospects for military cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States?
— Military cooperation is not envisaged in the founding documents of the organization. Therefore, from a legal point of view, it is still early to talk about military cooperation within the OTS. However, Kyrgyzstan has very good bilateral relations with Azerbaijan and all countries included in the OTS. I think that the consistent development of relations between military institutions in the future will create opportunities to increase the level of cooperation. But it is still too early to talk about this.
— How do you assess the recent personnel changes in your government, their reasons, and their impact on the country’s political life?
— The recent personnel changes can be characterized as further strengthening of state institutions. The state should not depend on individuals. Institutions must function stably and fulfill their duties. In 2020, we carried out a constitutional reform to create political pillars that ensure the stability of the state. The return to the presidential form of governance was aimed precisely at ensuring that no political cataclysm would affect the stability of institutions. As you can see, today all state institutions are functioning stably. A process of planned staff renewal is underway. New leaders are coming in, because the President, the government, and the people are setting ambitious plans for the country. To implement these, leaders who meet the realities of the time are needed. The President has all the powers for this and uses them in full compliance with the Constitution. Everything happening in the country is an indicator of the stability of our state system.
— What results have the steps taken toward resolving the border conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan yielded, and has this led to a full resolution of the problem?
— Proof that a space of peace, well-being, and prosperity is being created in Central Asia is the opening of a monument of friendship and peace by the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan at the point where the borders of the three states meet. Currently, all border issues have been resolved, and we are moving to the next stage of developing relations. Peace has been established, and we are developing cooperation, interaction, and brotherly relations in a constructive and consistent manner through the economy, culture, and other spheres of people’s livelihoods.
We are mountainous countries. Our glaciers form almost all the rivers of Central Asia and they provide life not only to people, but also to countries and economies. The livelihoods, peace, and well-being of the entire region depend on our water resources. Today, intensive work is being carried out between our countries to promote a common policy on the protection of water resources and their most efficient use for the benefit of all countries and peoples of Central Asia. In this regard, we have begun the implementation of the Kambarata HPP-1 project, which will create a greater reserve of sustainability in the water sector. The project will ensure year-round regulation of water flow on the Naryn River and subsequently on the Syr Darya. This project, jointly implemented by Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, shows that our countries are jointly resolving complex issues in an atmosphere of brotherhood, good neighborliness, and friendship.
— What would you like to say in conclusion?
— Taking this opportunity, I would like to state that we have applied to the Government of Azerbaijan with a request to allocate a land plot for the construction of a full-fledged embassy in Baku. Our intention to build the embassy with the relevant buildings and facilities proves that we are interested in expanding and deepening cooperation between the two states, and we hope that the issue will be resolved positively.
