Cover photo: President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov. Source: Kabar News Agency
Русский ItalianoThe President of Kyrgyzstan explained why cooperation with Russia is important for the country
Edited by the Editorial Team using materials provided by the Kabar news agency
In an interview with the Kabar news agency, President Sadyr Japarov addressed recent questions regarding Kyrgyzstan’s relations with Russia and other countries amid sanctions against Russia. This interview continues the discussion raised earlier with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin, where the head of state expressed his stance on the pressure from Western countries to limit cooperation with Russia.
Western countries request to end cooperation with Russia
President Japarov confirmed that some Western countries have called on Kyrgyzstan to halt its interaction with Russia, citing sanctions and the political situation. However, he stated that this demand is impossible to meet for a number of objective reasons. Japarov explained that Kyrgyzstan’s economic and geographical dependence on Russia is too significant to discontinue cooperation.
Trade with Russia and economic interdependence
The president noted that trade with Russia exceeds $4 billion, making Russia a key partner for Kyrgyzstan. The country imports oil, gas, wheat, and other essential goods, making the rejection of economic cooperation unfeasible. Japarov also emphasized the importance of transportation routes through Russia, which connect Kyrgyzstan with the rest of the world, as well as the presence of around one million Kyrgyz citizens working in Russia.
Inconsistencies in the approaches of Western countries
Japarov finds it inappropriate that Western countries, despite their own sanctions against Russia, continue to actively maintain trade relations with the country. He pointed out that it is unfair to demand Kyrgyzstan stop cooperating with Russia while EU countries themselves continue trading with it.
Kyrgyzstan’s multi-vector foreign policy
The president also highlighted that since he came to power, Kyrgyzstan has been pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy. This means equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with various countries, including not only Russia but also the European Union and CIS countries. Japarov noted that a cooperation agreement was recently signed with the European Union, and trade relations with several CIS countries have increased several times over the past four years.
Rejection of sanctioned goods
Responding to a question about sanctions against Russia, Japarov stated that Kyrgyzstan, as a member of the United Nations, does not engage with sanctioned goods and does not assist Russia in bypassing sanctions. He emphasized that there are no suspicions in this regard, and countries are merely using sanctions as a way to express their hostility toward Russia.
Thus, Sadyr Japarov reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to continuing its multi-vector foreign policy, taking into account both its economic interests and international obligations.
