Latif Gandiyev, the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kyrgyzstan, shared his thoughts with vb.kg about the year that is coming to an end. He noted that 2025 has been a significant year for the relations between the two countries, emphasizing how a high level of interaction has been achieved and what areas are expected to develop in 2026.
What can you say about the most significant events in the relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan in the outgoing year?
- The year 2025 was filled with important events and active dialogue at all levels. For instance, on July 3-4, the President of Kyrgyzstan participated in the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization, which took place in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. On the same day, the presidents of the two countries inaugurated the "Aiköl Manas" school in the Agdam district, built as a symbol of friendship from the people of Kyrgyzstan. This event became one of the most significant of the year.
Additionally, on October 7, the 12th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Turkic States Organization was held in Gabala, attended by the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov. During these events, meetings of heads of states took place, discussing current issues that contribute to effective problem-solving. The leaders exchanged views on expanding multifaceted cooperation, including trade and economy, as well as on the initial projects of the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyz Development Fund. Each meeting of the presidents facilitated noticeable progress in bilateral relations.
This year, the fund successfully implemented its first project. What investment initiatives are planned for next year?
- The fund continues its work actively. It should be noted that the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyz Development Fund is a unique organization in Kyrgyzstan that does not engage in lending but makes real investments in the economy. On the eve of Kyrgyzstan's Independence Day, a sewing factory was opened, providing 350 jobs. This project became an important step in the practical activities of the fund. Currently, the factory is operating steadily. Cooperation with Azerbaijan in this format opens new horizons, and the fund pays close attention to project proposals. A project for the construction of a carpet manufacturing factory has also been approved.
The construction of a small hydroelectric power station in the Issyk-Kul region is nearing completion and will start operating next year.
Furthermore, the construction of a modern five-star hotel on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul is ongoing, with its opening planned for the first half of next year. The implementation of this large-scale project from the Azerbaijani side will be an important step for the development of tourism in this beautiful region and will give an impetus to the development of agriculture and transport.
How do our countries interact within the framework of the Turkic States Organization?
- Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan have been members of the organization since its inception in 2009. This year, an important event was the first meeting of the heads of government of the participating countries held in Bishkek, which was attended by the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov. This meeting was organized by Kyrgyzstan as the chair of the Turkic Council this year, and new opportunities for expanding trade and economic ties were discussed.
What are the results of the work of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic and humanitarian cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan?
- In December, the 6th meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission took place in Baku, attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Bakyt Torobaev. The negotiations were constructive, and the rich agenda of the meeting demonstrated mutual aspirations to deepen cooperation. The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, met with Torobaev and discussed issues of investment cooperation, as well as prospects in areas such as energy, transport, logistics, education, humanitarian exchanges, and agriculture.
During the visit, the Kyrgyz delegation became acquainted with the work of "Azercosmos," where they studied the activities of the space agency, which, among other things, deals with Earth observation. Thanks to their professionalism, a potential natural disaster in the Issyk-Kul region was prevented, where specialists warned of a possible landslide and were able to evacuate people.
The delegation also visited the Baku Shipyard and the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery, which laid the groundwork for future cooperation.
These meetings defined the directions for economic cooperation for the next year and provided momentum for further deepening relations between Baku and Bishkek.
One of the key events of the year was Azerbaijan's admission to the Central Asian community, which became possible thanks to the support of Kyrgyzstan.
Azerbaijan can be considered a "gateway" to Central Asia. The Caspian Sea tends to unite rather than divide. We see ourselves as an integral part of this region in terms of economy and logistics.
I believe that Azerbaijan's transport capabilities are one of the key factors attracting attention. Central Asian countries do not have access to the sea, and the international transport corridors passing through Azerbaijan open great prospects for these countries. This also contributes to stability and security in the region, as the development of transport hubs creates prerequisites for preventing conflicts.
I cannot fail to mention the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Kyrgyzstan, which demonstrated the closeness of our peoples in language, customs, and traditions. This year, exhibitions were also held showcasing paintings, clothing, and historical artifacts, highlighting the common heritage of our cultures.
The year 2025 turned out to be rich in important events in bilateral and multilateral relations. It became a stage for defining strategic orientations and elevating Azerbaijan-Kyrgyz relations to a new level. I expect that next year, high-level mutual visits will continue, and preliminary agreements are already in place. We will continue the dialogue at all levels.
I can confidently say that the relations between our countries are exemplary and dynamically developing, based on strong fraternal and business ties.
In conclusion, I wish everyone peace, prosperity, and stability in the new year. The achievements of the Kyrgyz people under the leadership of President Sadyr Japarov are impressive, and I am confident that in 2026 they will only grow.
