- How do you assess the current state of Kyrgyz-Kazakh relations?
- Kyrgyzstan occupies an important place among Kazakhstan's strategic partners in Central Asia. Bilateral ties are developing based on centuries-old friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual support. Today, Kazakh-Kyrgyz relations can be characterized as stable and pragmatic, with a direction towards further development. Both states understand the strategic importance of their ties, based on alliance, shared history, and cultural proximity, as well as coinciding interests in the region.
The political dialogue between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is maintained at a high level. From August 22 to 23 of this year, President of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev made an official visit to Kyrgyzstan, during which the Seventh Meeting of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council took place. In November of this year, a working visit of the Kazakh leader to Bishkek was held to participate in the meeting of the Collective Security Council of the CSTO. The President of Kyrgyzstan S. Japarov visited Kazakhstan twice this year, participating in the summits "Central Asia – Italy" and "Central Asia – China." Additionally, throughout the year, the heads of the two states met more than 15 times at various multilateral forums.
From February 24 to 25 of this year, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan A. Kasymaliev visited Kazakhstan on an official visit. In September 2025, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan O. Bektenov participated in the first meeting of the heads of government of the Turkic States Organization (TSDO), which took place in Bishkek. In November, the 13th meeting of the Intergovernmental Council was held, where the state and prospects of cooperation in various areas, including trade, economic, and cultural issues, were discussed.
Inter-parliamentary cooperation is also actively developing. In 2025, the 3rd meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Council took place, and the Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan M. Ashimbaev visited Bishkek to participate in the III Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian countries. During the visit, a bilateral meeting was held with the Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh N. Turgunbek uulu, as well as the 9th Kazakh-Kyrgyz Forum of Intelligentsia. On November 30, a delegation from Kazakhstan, consisting of senators and deputies of the Mazhilis, as well as the Chairman of the Central Election Commission N. Abdirov, visited Bishkek as international observers for the early parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan.
In 2025, visits by the foreign ministers of both countries also took place: Kyrgyzstan (January 10-11) and Kazakhstan (August 1-2). Regular inter-ministerial political consultations are held, the latest of which took place on June 13.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan coordinate their positions on important regional and international issues within the framework of the CIS, SCO, TSDO, EAEU, and CSTO, as well as at meetings of the heads of Central Asian states. During the official visit of K. Tokayev, support was expressed for Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028. The parties strive to ensure stability and security in the region, including a joint response to modern challenges.
In the economic sphere, there is a positive trend in trade and investments. Kazakhstan has long remained one of the three main trading partners of Kyrgyzstan, with mutual trade volume reaching 1.78 billion US dollars last year, which has already been achieved in the first ten months of this year.
Kyrgyzstan, in turn, is the second largest trading partner of Kazakhstan in Central Asia (after Uzbekistan), with a share of 22.5% in 2024. Kazakhstan is among the four largest investors in the Kyrgyz economy, with a total investment of 1.4 billion dollars since 2005.
In August of this year, during the visit of the head of Kazakhstan, a Comprehensive Cooperation Plan until 2027 was signed, as well as a Roadmap to increase trade turnover to 3 billion dollars by 2030. The main task is the practical implementation of these documents.
- What is the volume of trade between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan?
- The trade turnover between our countries shows a positive trend. According to Kazakhstan, from January to October 2025, its volume amounted to 1.78 billion dollars, which is 22.4% more than in the same period of 2024.
It is expected that the implementation of large joint projects will give a new impetus to the growth of mutual trade, especially in the context of the instructions from the heads of state and the signed Comprehensive Plan for Trade and Economic Cooperation, which aims to achieve a trade turnover of 3 billion dollars.
- What is the amount of Kazakh investments in Kyrgyzstan?
- Kazakh businesses are actively increasing their investments in Kyrgyzstan. According to the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in the first half of 2025, the volume of Kazakh investments amounted to 25.5 million dollars, while for the year 2024, it was 29.7 million dollars.
This data confirms the sustainable development and strengthening of trade and economic ties between our countries.
- What major joint projects can you highlight?
- Interaction between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan includes several major projects that can significantly increase trade and economic potential. One of the largest is the project for the construction of an Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex (ITLC) near the "Karasu" – "Aktilek" border checkpoint. This complex will function as a free economic zone with benefits for investors.
The modernization of border checkpoints is also considered a priority direction. By 2028, new checkpoints are planned to be built and existing ones modernized, which will increase capacity and improve conditions for cross-border trade.
The development of common transport routes, including the alternative road "Almaty – Issyk-Kul," is of strategic importance. The implementation of this project will reduce the distance between Almaty and Cholpon-Ata by almost half, creating conditions for increasing trade and cargo transportation volumes.
With the completion of the construction of the alternative "North-South" highway in Kyrgyzstan, favorable conditions are being created for the supply of early vegetables and fruits to Kazakhstan and further to the markets of Russia.
The Asian Development Bank, as a partner in the project, is working on completing the feasibility study for the construction of the road.
The creation of a wholesale and retail center – a vegetable storage facility in the Almaty region along the "Almaty – Bishkek" highway is also related to the alternative road project. It aims to store and supply Kyrgyz fruit and vegetable products and is being implemented in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank.
In the energy sector, an important project is the construction of the Kambaratinskaya HPP-1 on the Naryn River. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan have agreed on joint implementation of the project with a share distribution of 33%, 33%, and 34%. The installed capacity of the station will be 1860 MW, and the project cost is about 4.2 billion dollars. In October 2025, it was announced that the European Union decided to finance the project for 2.4 billion dollars.
The implementation of the ITLC is proceeding according to the approved schedule, all necessary regulatory procedures have been completed, and land plots totaling more than 200 hectares have already been allocated. The active phase of construction work will begin in 2026.
The ITLC is being created as a single territory of a free economic zone, which will provide attractive conditions for investors.
There is also a possibility of laying a railway branch from the "KORCEM" cement plant to the city of Kant, which will expand railway logistics capabilities.
As a result of negotiations with potential investors, more than 20 applications have been received for the implementation of projects on the territory of the ITLC.
- How can Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan utilize the transit potential of the region?
- The region is undergoing significant changes related to the creation of new transport and logistics routes and hubs. These processes reflect the desire of Central Asian countries to adapt to changes in global supply chains.
In Kyrgyzstan, new transport corridors are actively developing, and additional checkpoints are being opened at the borders with China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Infrastructure is being formed that can expand the geography of cargo flows.
Particular importance is attached to the project for the construction of the "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan" railway, which will significantly increase the volume of transit transportation from China to Central Asia and beyond.
These processes, combined with the creation of cross-border hubs and the implementation of projects such as the Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex, can deepen the integration of the region's transport systems.
In the medium term, these initiatives will create sustainable production and trade chains between Central Asia, helping to reduce transit risks.
- How are relations in the field of water resources developing?
- Cooperation in the field of water resources is actively continuing, including through bilateral agreements and working groups. The Chu-Talas Water Management Commission regulates water supply issues for the Chu and Talas rivers, which flow from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan.
For Kazakhstan, a key point is the coordination of actions regarding the Toktogul Reservoir, as it is the main source of water for the Syr Darya River and the southern regions of Kazakhstan. Regular meetings of the water and energy agencies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are held to coordinate the operation modes of hydropower plants.
Experts note that the shortage of water resources will grow, requiring coordinated measures to ensure stability. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has raised the issue of creating an International Water and Energy Consortium in Central Asia.
At the global level, Tokayev proposed creating an International Water Organization within the framework of the UN to coordinate water security issues.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as other countries in the region, have every chance to create an effective model of water and energy cooperation based on good neighborly principles.
- Why do traffic jams sometimes occur at the border checkpoints between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan?
- Traffic jams at border checkpoints occur for a number of reasons, and these are usually temporary phenomena. Firstly, this is related to seasonal increases in passenger traffic and cargo transportation, especially during holiday periods.
Additionally, the speed of border crossing is influenced by control measures carried out by state authorities, as well as the involvement of several services in the processing of transport.
Infrastructure factors also play a role: the number of lanes, road conditions, and weather conditions.
To systematically address the problem and reduce the load on checkpoints, infrastructure projects are being implemented. Currently, the construction of the "Besagash" (RK) – "Kichi-Kapka" (KR) checkpoint is underway, which is expected to be put into operation in July of next year. The "Kichi-Kapka" checkpoint is also undergoing design stages.
Furthermore, the construction of a new checkpoint "Aksu" (RK) – "Tömönkü-Chuy" (KR) is planned, which is expected to be ready by 2026 and is preliminarily estimated to relieve existing routes by 60-70%.
Also, the "Kegen" (RK) – "Karkyra" checkpoint has been operating around the clock since August, which allows for the redistribution of flows and reduces the load on other checkpoints.
In the next two years, the modernization of all existing border checkpoints is planned. For example, the "Karasu" (RK) checkpoint has a designed capacity of 300 vehicles per day, while the actual flow reaches 600-800 vehicles. As a result, measures for reconstruction are being planned.
- How are cultural and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan developing?
- Cultural and humanitarian relations between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have always been at a high level and have been developing particularly actively in recent years. The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizes the historical and spiritual foundation of these ties.
In this context, it is worth noting that Kazakhstan is implementing a wide program of cultural events in Kyrgyzstan aimed at strengthening humanitarian ties and developing exchanges between the peoples.
One of the significant projects has been the publication of the magazine "Famous Kazakhs of Kyrgyzstan," which symbolizes mutual respect and shared historical memory.
In 2025, dozens of events took place in Kyrgyzstan, covering various areas of interaction: from theater to science and tourism.
Six Kazakh theaters performed in Kyrgyzstan, including the Kazakh State Academic Theater for Children and Youth with the play "Ulpan" and the West Kazakhstan Drama Theater with productions "Zhamyila" and "Mukagali – Nurgisa."
Concerts by the Kazakh chamber ensemble "Forte Trio," the folk instruments orchestra "Kazakh – Kyrgyz bir tugan," as well as creative evenings dedicated to the 100th anniversary of composer Nurgisa Tlendiev were held in Bishkek.
Exhibitions, including the international photo exhibition "In the Footsteps of Centuries: The Image of Kazakhstan's History" and the exhibition "Famous Kazakhs of Kyrgyzstan" at the National Museum of Fine Arts, attracted interest.
An important direction remains the preservation of common historical symbols. This year, monuments to Abai Kunanbayev and Chinghiz Aitmatov were opened, and streets and gymnasiums were named after them.
Additionally, the Days of Kazakh Cinema were held in Kyrgyzstan, featuring premieres of documentary films and international poetry competitions.
These events significantly expanded inter-community contacts and strengthened cultural diplomacy between the two countries. We are confident that cultural and humanitarian interaction is the foundation of strategic partnership, and this work will continue.
In 2026, further development of cultural exchanges is planned, including tours of Kazakh creative teams in Kyrgyzstan. Tours of the Philharmonic named after Taizhan Kalmagambetov and other theaters are also scheduled.
Cooperation in the field of education is also actively developing. Kazakhstan annually allocates 50 grants for citizens of Kyrgyzstan to study at universities in Kazakhstan, with an increase in the number of quotas to 60 starting from the 2026-2027 academic year.
The branch of the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi in Bishkek is successfully operating, educating more than 1300 students, and this year a branch of the Eurasian National University opened in Osh, where specialists are being trained under dual diploma programs.
The III Kazakh-Kyrgyz Youth Forum was held jointly, gathering young professionals in the fields of IT and creative industries, becoming a platform for experience exchange and cooperation.
On October 18, an exhibition of Kazakh universities was held in Bishkek, focusing on IT and artificial intelligence fields, demonstrating the interest of Kyrgyz youth in education in Kazakhstan.
