Kyrgyzstan says it is committed to working with US to prevent expansion of sanctions-related restrictions

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Kyrgyzstan remains committed to working with the US to prevent the expansion of sanctions-related restrictions and maintain constructive dialogue on the issue, a Kyrgyz presidential envoy said Monday.

Bakyt Sydykov, the Kyrgyz president’s special representative, discussed sanctions-related issues with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Uzbek city of Samarkand on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting in the C5+1 format, according to the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry.

Sydykov briefed the US side on ongoing efforts related to sanctions imposed on Kyrgyzstan, the ministry said.

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev, who also attended the meeting, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to constructive dialogue with Washington on compliance with sanctions requirements during talks with Rubio.

Kulubayev also expressed interest in finding solutions to facilitate humanitarian, educational and business exchanges, while the two sides discussed expanding trade and economic ties and attracting US investment and technology to Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan is interested in further developing mutually beneficial cooperation with the US, Kulubayev said, highlighting opportunities in mining, energy, information technology, transport and finance.

Kulubayev and Rubio also discussed prospects for cooperation at the UN Security Council following Kyrgyzstan’s election as a nonpermanent member for the 2027-2028 term.

The meeting reaffirmed both sides’ interest in strengthening Kyrgyz-US relations and maintaining regular political dialogue.

The US and European Union began imposing sanctions on Kyrgyz companies after the Russia-Ukraine war started, accusing them of helping Moscow circumvent sanctions.