Gazeta.kg — News of Kyrgyzstan and Bishkek Today
Politics

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concerned about the tightening of the U.S. visa policy and the introduction of additional requirements for Kyrgyz citizens.

On January 12, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Meder Abakirov, met with Leslie Vigier, the U.S. Ambassador. This information was published by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. During the meeting, issues related to the preparation for the "C5+1" forum, scheduled for February 4-5, 2026, in Bishkek, were discussed. Participants touched upon organizational aspects as well as the importance of the event for the development of

13.01.2026, 15:27
Economy

In Kyrgyzstan, requirements for participants in the virtual asset market will be tightened

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has adopted a new resolution aimed at improving the regulation of the virtual assets sector and creating more stable conditions for the growth of the cryptocurrency market. According to the approved norms, existing service providers in the field of virtual assets are required to adjust the minimum amount of their authorized capital by March 1, 2026, in accordance with the requirements established by the regulation for operators of virtual asset trading

13.01.2026, 15:26
Exclusive

The deputy questioned the correctness of outsourcing public services to private entities.

- During the meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on constitutional legislation, state structure, local self-government, and regulations, deputy Kubanychbek Samakov raised important questions regarding the plan to transfer state services into the hands of private legal and physical entities. He also requested clarification on which specific services are planned to be outsourced. Deputy Minister of Economy Choro Seyitov explained that only certain functions, and not complete services,

13.01.2026, 15:21
Politics

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan: New U.S. Visa Requirements Hinder Business Development

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Meder Abakirov, expressed concern in a conversation with U.S. Ambassador Leslie Viguerie regarding new difficulties arising in obtaining visas for citizens of the republic. In a statement from the press service of the Kyrgyz foreign ministry, it is emphasized that the main topic of discussion was the updated requirements of the United States for B-1/B-2 visa categories. Abakirov noted that these measures complicate interactions between

13.01.2026, 15:18
Society

The authority to approve air protection standards has been transferred to government agencies.

The Cabinet of Ministers has amended its resolution regarding the delegation of certain legislative powers to state bodies and local self-government bodies. This decision was made to adapt the regulatory framework related to air protection to current legislative requirements. According to the new provisions, the list of powers delegated to state bodies and executive bodies of local self-government now includes a new item. This means that the authorized structures will be able to develop and

13.01.2026, 15:15
Economy

The Rosselkhoznadzor Suspended the Import of Eight Tons of Frozen Dumplings from Kyrgyzstan

In the Orenburg region, the Rosselkhoznadzor management has halted an attempt to illegally import 8.6 tons of frozen dumplings from Kyrgyzstan at the border with Kazakhstan. This was reported by the agency's press service. According to available information, the products did not meet veterinary standards. Some of the dumplings lacked the necessary veterinary documents and also did not undergo a complete set of laboratory tests, which is a violation of sanitary norms established by the

13.01.2026, 15:13
Ecology

A man was fined in the Bazar-Korgon district for illegally keeping birds in a cage.

In the Bazar-Korgon district, employees of the Jalal-Abad Environmental Supervision Department discovered the illegal keeping and storage of birds by a citizen. According to information provided by the environmental supervision, the man was fined 10,000 soms in accordance with Article 261 of the Code of Offenses, which pertains to illegal hunting and the capture of animals.

13.01.2026, 15:12
Society

The hawk has arrived in the Batken village

In the village of Batken, a hawk [“kyrgy”] that unexpectedly flew into the settlement was successfully released back into the wild. According to information from the Department of Protected Natural Areas and Biodiversity of the Batken Regional Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, specialists examined the bird along with an expert, and after that, the hawk was returned to its natural habitat.

13.01.2026, 15:12
In Tokmok, a girl weighing 5.2 kg was born
Health

In Tokmok, a girl weighing 5.2 kg was born

In Tokmok, on January 3, 2026, there was joyful news at the Center for General Medical Practice (CGMP) — a girl weighing 5.2 kg was born. According to the medical institution, the 44-year-old mother became a mother for the second time, choosing cesarean section for the delivery. The newborn girl measures 54 centimeters in height, and the condition of both the mother and the child has been assessed as satisfactory. After the necessary medical monitoring, they were discharged home.

13.01.2026, 15:11
Society

The breeders of the Naryn region have raised the issue of building a racetrack again.

Kalibay Saralaev, a beretir from the Kochkor district, informed a Turmush correspondent about the efforts of local beretirs aimed at building a racetrack in the Naryn region. According to Saralaev, equestrian sports are an integral part of most Kyrgyz national games. In 2023, during the celebration of the 230th anniversary of Khan Ormon Khan Niyazbek uulu, the national games were held in Orto-Tokoi due to the lack of a racetrack. This event prompted the beretirs of the Naryn region to discuss

13.01.2026, 15:04
Spontaneous Parking Instead of Green Zones. Residents Ask to Pay Attention to Ayni Street
Society

Spontaneous Parking Instead of Green Zones. Residents Ask to Pay Attention to Ayni Street

According to information from the Call Center Kaktus.media, local residents are expressing dissatisfaction with the condition of green areas along Ayni Street. They claim that the lack of parking control is leading to the destruction of these areas. “For about 700-800 meters, green zones and lawns are essentially being destroyed due to unauthorized parking. Areas designated for landscaping are being used as parking spaces on both sides of the street,” they report.

13.01.2026, 15:03
Politics

Benefits for entrepreneurs, legal entities, and individuals have come into effect

The law signed by the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Field of Taxation, Social Insurance, and Non-Tax Revenues," has now come into effect. This law was developed in accordance with the presidential decree issued on December 5, 2025, under number 350, and is aimed at supporting certain sectors of the economy. The main goal is to improve legislation, as well as to enhance the transparency and efficiency of

13.01.2026, 15:02
Exclusive

The Housing Committee approved in the first reading amendments to the law "On State and Municipal Services"

- On January 13, 2026, the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh dealing with constitutional legislation, state structure, and local self-government held a discussion and approved in the first reading a draft law concerning amendments to the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On State and Municipal Services." Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Choro Seyitov emphasized that this draft law aims to improve the system of providing state and municipal services. In particular, it proposes the

13.01.2026, 14:57
Chimpanzee Ai, who recognized letters, numbers, and hieroglyphs, has died at the age of 49
World

Chimpanzee Ai, who recognized letters, numbers, and hieroglyphs, has died at the age of 49

A chimpanzee named Ai, famous for her ability to distinguish letters, numbers, and hieroglyphs, has passed away at the age of 49. This was reported by the Center for the Study of Human Evolutionary Behavior (formerly known as the Primate Research Institute) at Kyoto University, as conveyed by RIA Novosti. “Chimpanzee Ai, who made significant contributions to research related to the evolution of thought and consciousness over many years, passed away on January 9. She left us surrounded by staff

13.01.2026, 14:56
Society

"Twins": The Talasbekov brothers living in a residential area of Bishkek have started to be distinguished by a detail discovered after bathing

In Bishkek, in one of the suburban residential complexes, live twins Musa and Isa Talasbekov, who are hard to tell apart. They have only one distinctive feature. Turmush correspondent spoke with their mother, Nadiira Dzhakaeva, who shared: "My twins were born on March 5, 2018, and they are currently in the second grade at school No. 84 named after Jalil Sadikov. They always dress alike and constantly compete with each other. When they were infants, for the first three months, I didn't

13.01.2026, 14:56
Bishkek Master Plan 2050. Will Moscow and Pushkin Streets Become Pedestrian?
Society

Bishkek Master Plan 2050. Will Moscow and Pushkin Streets Become Pedestrian?

As part of the discussions on the General Plan for the development of Bishkek until 2050, residents of the city proposed the idea of transforming Moscow and Pushkin streets into pedestrian zones. This initiative was commented on by representatives of the city hall. The city hall noted that Moscow Street is an important one-way thoroughfare that operates in conjunction with Toktogul Street. Closing Moscow to vehicles could negatively impact the traffic situation in the city center, as it would

13.01.2026, 14:55
Politics

Mopeds and Traffic Accidents with Severe Consequences: The Ministry of Internal Affairs Proposes Changes to the Laws

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is initiating changes to a number of legislative acts aimed at tightening responsibility measures for traffic accidents. At a meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on judicial and legal issues, law enforcement, combating crime, and countering corruption, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oktobyr Urmambetov reported that the proposed changes include, among other things, increasing penalties for drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol

13.01.2026, 14:50
Incidents

In Yakutia, a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic was convicted for participating in the creation of an illegal migration channel

During operational activities, employees of the FSB management for the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) identified a group of individuals suspected of organizing a channel for the illegal migration of citizens from Kyrgyzstan. The investigation established that the members of the criminal group divided responsibilities among themselves for the registration of foreign citizens without legal grounds, the agency's press service reports.

13.01.2026, 14:49
Incidents

Incorrectly parked. The lawyer voluntarily paid the fine.

On January 12, a video was posted on Instagram, after which the press service of the Bishkek City Police reported that the lawyer had decided to voluntarily pay the fine. Sherdor Abdykaparov, a well-known lawyer, became the perpetrator of the violation by parking his car in a prohibited area, which contradicts paragraph 12.4 of the Traffic Rules of Kyrgyzstan. As a result, he contacted representatives of the Bishkek City Police, after which a protocol for the violation was drawn up, and the

13.01.2026, 14:49
Society

Will Moscow Street Become Pedestrian? Response from the Bishkek City Hall

At a recent public hearing dedicated to the master plan for the development of Bishkek until 2050, city residents proposed transforming Moscow and Pushkin streets into pedestrian zones. The city hall's response to this initiative has been published. City hall noted that Moscow Street has the status of a citywide arterial road and operates with one-way traffic. It plays an important role in the city's transportation system, interacting with Toktogul Street.

13.01.2026, 14:43
Digital Suicide at $20 Billion: Results of the Global Blocking Championship for 2025
Exclusive

Digital Suicide at $20 Billion: Results of the Global Blocking Championship for 2025

The report analyzed a number of major intentional internet shutdowns and social media blockages for the year 2025. The authors calculated that 212 serious cases of restrictions occurred in 28 countries, with the total duration of communication disruptions exceeding 120,000 hours, which is 70% more compared to 2024. Approximately 798 million people were affected by these restrictions. It is important to note that this is not just about complete internet shutdowns. The report highlights complete

13.01.2026, 14:41