At the press center of Sputnik Kyrgyzstan, dedicated to Diplomatic Worker’s Day, a briefing was held by Sergey Vakunov, the Russian ambassador to Kyrgyzstan. He summarized the results of the past year and highlighted key areas for further cooperation between the two countries.
The ambassador noted that 2025 will be an important milestone in Russian-Kyrgyz relations, marking 25 years since the signing of the Declaration of Eternal Friendship, Alliance, and Partnership, which serves as the foundation for strategic interaction between the two countries. Diplomatic relations are developing at both high and top levels.
Preservation of Historical Memory
Sergey Vakunov emphasized the issues of historical memory. In honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, large-scale events were held in Bishkek and Moscow. He stressed that attempts to revise common history and distort the role of the Soviet people have no future. The importance of the "Immortal Regiment" movement lies in its role in defending historical truth, turning the history of Victory into a part of the family memory of the peoples of Russia and Kyrgyzstan.
Economic Cooperation
In the economic sphere, stable growth is observed. According to data from the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the volume of mutual trade exceeded $3.1 billion. The ambassador emphasized that both countries have every chance to fulfill the presidents' directive and increase trade turnover to $5 billion, which is possible through investments, new projects, and the development of cooperation in the manufacturing sector.
Plans for 2026
The upcoming year promises to be no less eventful. One of the key events will be Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in which Russia is ready to provide full support. The following events are planned:
the 27th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, which will take place in Kazan; the Russian-Kyrgyz Business Forum at Issyk-Kul; an Interregional Conference.
The Importance of the Russian Language and Education
The Russian language, having official status in Kyrgyzstan, plays an important role in integration. The ambassador noted that the absence of language barriers contributes to the development of connections and expands opportunities for youth in the professional sphere.
An important humanitarian project will be the construction of nine schools with Russian-language instruction in Kyrgyzstan. The first three are planned to open on September 1, 2027, in Bishkek, Karakol, and Batken. Russia will continue to support the Kyrgyz education system, including the supply of adapted textbooks.
Trusting Relations and Migration
Sergey Vakunov noted that trusting relations have developed between Vladimir Putin and Sadyr Japarov, setting a high pace for cooperation.
Regarding migration, Russia is interested in the influx of qualified specialists while adhering to the laws. The ambassador also reminded that within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, the principle of "four freedoms" remains, allowing Kyrgyz citizens to work in Russia without a patent if they have an employment contract.
