AGP Executive Report

Georgia-Kyrgyzstan Reset: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov hailed the first high-level visit between the two countries, agreeing to new documents and pushing cooperation from trade and investment to culture, with special focus on linking the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway to Georgia’s port infrastructure. Bilateral Trade Talks: Kyrgyzstan and Georgia resumed their intergovernmental trade commission after a 10-year gap, signing a protocol to expand transport, logistics, tourism, agro-industry and digital cooperation. Bishkek Power Woes: A Bishkek blackout followed a June 6 accident when a HOWO truck damaged a 110 kV line; officials say construction safety rules were not followed, and they’re tightening coordination and accountability. Vehicle Legalization: Kyrgyzstan plans a one-time legalization window for cars with foreign plates imported before Dec 31, 2024, running July 1–Sept 1, with strict eligibility limits. Education Funding: From 2027, school meal financing will rise to 40 soms per student per day, aiming for more meat/fish, dairy and fresh produce. Local Governance: A draft law would grant village status to several settlements in Batken and Osh, including Manas in Kara-Suu. UK Diplomatic Update: A new UK ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Vicente Solera Diucar, is set to start duties in August 2026. Sports & Culture: Kyrgyz women’s volleyball lost 0:3 to Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup; Bishkek also hosted international cultural events, including a London presentation of Kyrgyz poet Atantay Akbarov’s English collection.

Aviation Safety & Access: Kyrgyzstan’s airlines were removed from the EU Air Safety blacklist after 20 years, following changes to strengthen aviation oversight; the EU also updated its list, keeping 154 airlines banned overall. Infrastructure & Power: Bishkek residents face scheduled power outages on June 11 across several districts and streets due to maintenance; meanwhile, a fire alarm at the under-construction “Bishkek Arena” was denied by the Presidential Administration, saying welding sparks caused brief smoke. Public Services & Health: From 2027, school meal funding will rise to 40 soms per student per day; the health system also reminded citizens that blood pressure checks and free ECGs are available, with a key condition. Sports & Culture: Kyrgyz athletes won medals at the Aerojack tournament in Novosibirsk; the Bishkek International Film Festival continues with a Central Asia competition programmer interview, and “Big Tours” brings St. Petersburg’s Baltic House performances to Bishkek. Security & Local Life: Police detained men involved in a street fight in Bishkek for petty hooliganism; a missing man in Bishkek was found safe. Diplomacy: Kyrgyz FM Jeenbek Kulubaev attended CSTO foreign ministers’ talks in Kazan, where statements focused on international law, UN Charter principles, and preventing an arms race in space.

Aviation Safety Update: The EU removed Kyrgyz airlines from its Air Safety List after two decades, citing “significant progress” in oversight; the blacklist now still covers 154 airlines, with Air Express Algeria added. Climate Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and South Korea agreed to accelerate joint carbon-reduction projects and expand climate ties under a new bilateral committee framework. Wildlife Protection: Kyrgyzstan created the Ak Ilbirs ecological corridor—nearly 800,000 hectares—to help snow leopards and other mountain wildlife move as climate shifts habitats. Energy Transition: Kyrgyzstan is pursuing a dual-track energy plan: renewables (solar and wind up to 700 MW, up to $1bn investment) alongside modernization of hydropower. Diplomacy & Security: CSTO foreign ministers urged preventing an arms race in outer space, while Russia called for resuming the SCO Afghanistan contact group. Trade & Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan ratified an agreement for free embassy building and land use in Astana and Bishkek for 49 years. Regional Economy: ADB is considering a regional capacity-building “Center of Excellence” initiative that could include Kyrgyzstan.

Security Crackdown: Kyrgyzstan’s GKNB says it detained 31 suspected Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad and Islamic State members in overnight operations across Osh and Batken, seizing extremist materials, unregistered firearms and funds allegedly meant to finance attacks abroad. Aviation Update: The EU removed Kyrgyz-certified carriers from its Air Safety List after 20 years, while adding Air Express Algeria—another sign of how quickly aviation oversight can change. Terror Financing Trial Abroad: A Kyrgyz man in Lithuania faces trial over alleged cryptocurrency transactions used to finance Hamas’s military wing. Diplomacy & Trade: Romania and Kyrgyzstan highlighted growing bilateral trade potential after a 43% rise last year, while Kyrgyzstan and Italy signed a mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters. Economy & Risks: The National Bank warned of a new scam using the NBKR logo to trick people into “safe account” transfers. Regional Cooperation: Xinjiang’s Trans-Altai platform expanded to include Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan for the first time, aiming at trade, logistics, energy and tourism links. Culture: Bishkek’s film festival runs the CAF Pitch, backing Central Asian debut projects with cash awards. Sports: Kyrgyzstan’s women’s volleyball team remains winless in the AVC Cup, setting up a key match day ahead.

Religious Oversight: A deputy told parliament that out of 4,470 mosques in Kyrgyzstan, 3,673 are legally registered, while 797 operate without documents and are not registered with the Muftiate—prompting calls for a government resolution to legalize land plots and enforce Muftiate construction rules. Public Safety & Infrastructure: In Aksy district, the Emergency Situations minister ordered work to reduce mudflow risks, including a mudflow diversion structure and a bridge design for safer passage on the Tash-Kumyr–Kerben highway. Fraud Warning: The National Bank warned of a new scam using the NBKR logo, where fraudsters claim Tunduk accounts were hacked and push victims to transfer money to “safe” accounts. Aviation: The EU removed Kyrgyzstan-certified airlines from the Air Safety List after 20 years, though each airline still needs EU route-suitable aircraft and approval. Justice Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and Italy signed a mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters in Rome. Economy & Daily Life: Citizens complained that ID cards and passports at ЦОН now cost over 5,000 soms, up sharply from about 1,500 earlier. Security: Kyrgyz security services detained 31 people linked to terrorist groups planning attacks on police and religious leaders.

Aviation Safety: Kyrgyzstan’s airlines have been removed from the EU air safety blacklist after nearly two decades, clearing the way for direct flights and a boost for tourism and trade links with Europe. Water & Land Security: The GEF launched the Central Asia Water-Land Nexus (CAWLN) program, bringing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan into a coordinated push to tackle water stress and land degradation affecting about 60 million people. Drugs & Border Crime: In Batken’s Kadamjay district, police stopped an attempted transit of about 10 kg of hashish from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan, seizing firearms and launching a criminal case. Governance & Protocol: President Sadyr Japarov signed a new “State Protocol” law that tightens rules for foreign visits by top officials, including a ban on the president, parliament speaker and cabinet chair being abroad at the same time. Public Health: Bishkek reported mass food poisoning of six government employees after they ate food brought from home; authorities urged stricter food safety habits in hot weather. Sports: Kyrgyzstan’s Ernar Akmataliev slipped in the world wrestling ranking after Mongolia results, while Kyrgyzstan’s national teams also played Palestine in Bishkek.

Aviation Milestone: Kyrgyz airlines have been removed from the EU Air Safety “blacklist” after being on it since 2006, following reforms and EU safety committee reviews—opening the door to direct EU flights. Bilateral Business: Cyprus and Kyrgyzstan signed a tax cooperation deal in Bishkek to cut double taxation and add safeguards against evasion, aiming to boost investment and trade. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Kyrgyzstan’s election to the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 is being framed as a diplomatic boost, with talks in Bishkek also touching on EU relations. Sports (AVC Women’s Cup): Alas Pilipinas bounced back with a straight-sets win over Kyrgyzstan and now turns to a do-or-die match vs South Korea. Earthquake Alert: A quake hit Kazakhstan near the Kyrgyzstan–China border, with tremors felt in the region. Environment & Risk: Kazakhstan’s cloud-seeding trial is drawing Kyrgyz concerns about possible cross-border climate impacts.

Volleyball (AVC Women’s Cup): Alas Pilipinas bounced back in style, routing Kyrgyzstan 25-9, 25-11, 25-17 in Candon City to move to a 2-1 pool record, with Thea Gagate leading (11 points) and Alyssa Valdez adding nine as Kyrgyzstan suffered its third straight loss. Diplomacy (Cyprus ties): Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev met Cyprus counterpart Konstantinos Kombos, agreeing to lift cooperation to a new level across politics, trade, education, culture and humanitarian work, signing a cooperation program for 2027–2028 and a double-taxation deal. UN Security Council (Kyrgyzstan’s seat): Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were elected to the 2027–2028 UN Security Council term, a shift seen as changing the balance of global diplomacy. Environment & safety: Kyrgyzstan plans modern automated checkpoints in protected areas like Sary-Chelek and Kyrgyz-Ata, while the government is also tightening fire-safety rules for electric charging stations at gas stations. Weather: Bishkek expects no rain at night but possible short thunderstorms during the day, with highs around +34 to +36°C.

Pasture Degradation: Deputy Agriculture Minister Mirbek Duisheev says 24% of Kyrgyz pasture land is degraded, with 1.808 million hectares affected; the state plans to rest 335,000 hectares in 2026 under a 2024–2029 pasture program. Jobs & Youth Support: Bishkek’s Career Guidance Center helps more than 10,000 people yearly, including about 7,000 graduates, with testing for interests and employment support starting at age 16. Cybercrime Alert: The Interior Ministry reports 1,711 of 4,391 crimes in the first four months were cyber-related, highlighting phishing and “safe account” scams. Wildlife Protection: Natural Resources inspectors set fines for illegal hunting of endangered animals, including 2 million soms for snow leopards, and say a poacher was detained in Suusamyr Valley. Housing & Social Payments: President Sadyr Japarov opened Asman Residence-1 in Osh and another complex in Zhany-Aryk; meanwhile, 440,000 children will receive the Bala Yrysy allowance from July 1. Security & Emergencies: Police shut down an underground synthetic drug lab in Chui; a mudflow in Issyk-Kul killed a 15-year-old boy, with one earlier reported missing. Diplomacy & Culture: Kyrgyzstan’s election to the UN Security Council drew congratulations from Tajik President Emomali Rahmon; Bishkek also hosts the CIS Forum of Creative and Scientific Intelligentsia and the IV International Film Festival. Sports: Kyrgyz wrestlers won medals in Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan’s national team drew Palestine 0-0 in Bishkek ahead of the June 9 friendly.

Bishkek Infrastructure & Transport: The Ministry of Construction is building two new educational buildings for the Kyrgyz National University of Culture and Arts on Jantoshova Street, with engineering networks already laid up to the third floor. The city also plans a new fountain complex at the Abdrahmanov–Kievskaya intersection, aiming to finish before the SCO summit, while Kyiv Street is set for major changes with dedicated bus lanes and bike lanes. Roads & Safety: The Balakchy–Ananyevo–Karakol road is fully open again after a mudslide cleanup. In Bishkek, a driver was detained for drunk driving after tests confirmed alcohol. Power & Weather: Kyrgyz energy officials blamed a damaged 110 kV line for a Bishkek blackout, and forecasts for June 8 call for local rains and thunderstorms in parts of the country. Economy & Exports: Three Kyrgyz honey producers have entered the EU’s TRACES system, clearing the way for exports. Sports: Kyrgyzstan won silver and bronze in long backgammon at a world event in Tbilisi.

US-Iran Mediation: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran for talks aimed at reviving de-escalation between Washington and Tehran, after meeting PM Shehbaz Sharif and holding earlier meetings in Bishkek with Iran’s interior minister. Regional Security: On the sidelines of an SCO interior ministers meeting in Bishkek, Naqvi signed agreements with Russia to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, while also discussing Afghanistan-based terrorist threats with Tajikistan and cooperation with Uzbekistan. Bishkek Utilities: After a June 6 blackout, Bishkek’s hot water and heat-and-power generation were restored, with water supply returning as pumping stations resumed. City Life & Transport: Traffic was disrupted during the outage, and Kyiv Street is set for closures in the coming days for heating-network work. Sports & Culture: Kyrgyzstan drew Palestine 0-0 in a friendly in Bishkek; a memorial plaque was installed for Manas University’s first rector, Karybek Moldobaev. Weather: June 7 in Bishkek hit a record +36.8°C in 2023, while forecasts point to cloudy, warm days with possible light precipitation.

Bishkek Power Crisis: A large blackout hit Bishkek and parts of Chui, cutting power to about 70% of consumers after damage to the 110-kilovolt Parkovaya–Ala-Archa line by a HOWO truck; electricity is being restored, while hot water recovery is underway after pumping stations were temporarily shut. City Life Disruptions: With traffic lights out, residents stepped in to direct cars at intersections until traffic police arrived; separately, water supply resumed after the outage halted 12 intake facilities and booster pumps, with manual restarts needed for some stations. Repairs and Road Closures: Kyiv Street traffic will be restricted for 10 days starting now as heating networks are replaced ahead of major reconstruction; other short-term closures affect Auezov and Sukhe-Bator streets. Public Safety: Tourist and railway police began preventive raids at Bishkek stations; police also reported a Kia K3 crash with an electric cyclist, and warned drivers about ongoing construction-related traffic changes. Culture and Sports: A new building is under construction for the nearly 90-year-old Kureneev Music College; Kyrgyzstan’s national team drew Palestine 0-0 in a friendly attended by President Japarov, and the women’s volleyball team begins its Asian Cup run today. Environment & Law: Kyrgyz authorities said poaching enforcement will intensify with more inspections based on tips; at Lake Son-Kul, about 150 meters of illegal fishing nets were seized. Regional News: An earthquake of about magnitude 3 was recorded in Jalal-Abad, with tremors reportedly not felt locally.

UN Security Council Shake-up: Germany suffered a first-ever defeat in the UN Security Council election, losing to Portugal and Austria for non-permanent seats, while Kyrgyzstan’s own win earlier in the week kept the spotlight on Central Asia’s growing diplomatic weight. SCO Security Talks in Bishkek: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi used the SCO Interior Ministers meeting in Kyrgyzstan to push for tighter regional cooperation against terrorism, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, and terror financing, warning that criminal networks are increasingly using digital platforms and AI. Bilateral Agreements: Naqvi and Russia’s Vladimir Kolokoltsev signed pacts to curb illegal immigration, strengthen repatriation cooperation, and expand joint anti-drug efforts, with separate talks also covering Afghanistan-linked security concerns. Bishkek City Updates: Power outages are scheduled for June 7–8 in specific areas, while Old Square and nearby streets face temporary closures for a cultural event and several central roads see construction-related restrictions. Sports & Culture: Kyrgyzstan athletes picked up medals at a Mongolia wrestling tournament, and Bishkek will host the Week of Mongolian Cinema starting June 9–12.

UN Security Council Win: Kyrgyzstan has secured its first-ever non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, beating the Philippines in a tight Asia-Pacific vote after four rounds, with 142 votes to 49—an achievement praised as a diplomatic milestone. SCO Security Push: At an SCO interior ministers meeting in Bishkek, Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi urged tighter intelligence-sharing and a joint strategy against terrorism, cybercrime, and terror financing, warning that criminals increasingly use AI, digital platforms, and cryptocurrency. Bishkek Energy Corruption Case: Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security says a corruption scheme at the Bishkek CHPP and related labs involved falsified coal test results, causing over 20 million soms in damage; the CHPP deputy director was detained. Preschool Digital Services: Kyrgyzstan moved its kindergarten electronic queue to a new portal, balalyk.edu.gov.kg, with data transferred from the old system; parents can also use the Tündük app. Education Finance: A new preferential lending project for preschool development was approved, while the Education Ministry says old enrollment benefits are canceled and priority now runs only through the unified electronic queue. City Updates: Bishkek plans partial closure of Kyiv Street in 10 days for heat network repairs, and it will relocate gas stations outside the city as leases expire.

UN Security Council Win: President Sadyr Japarov says Kyrgyzstan’s first-ever election to the UNSC is a “victory of our diplomats,” driven by two years of work and the peaceful resolution of long-standing border issues; he also says Kyrgyzstan will push UN Charter Reform and wants all UN decisions implemented “100 percent,” including changes to how sanctions are discussed. Freedom of Speech: In a Kabar interview, Japarov stressed that human rights and freedom of speech will continue, but warned against slander, lies, and incitement. Diplomacy in Bishkek: Kyrgyz Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iran’s Eskandar Momeni to discuss de-escalation and internal security amid regional developments. Regional Ties: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan reaffirmed their strategic partnership, while Kazakhstan’s leader also congratulated Japarov. Local Life: Osh and Bishkek move ahead on social services and governance—an Osh clinic is planned with Swiss support, and the Zhogorku Kenesh is sending laws to the president electronically. Infrastructure: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway planning in Jalal-Abad includes 50 bridges and 29 tunnels, with compensation and land allocation a key focus. Culture & Sports: Bishkek’s film festival opens with premieres and Audrey Tautou set to attend June 8; Kyrgyz teams also face action in regional volleyball and wrestling events.

UN Security Council Win: Kyrgyzstan made history by defeating the Philippines 142–49 in the UN General Assembly vote to win its first-ever non-permanent seat for 2027–2028, with President Sadyr Japarov saying Bishkek will push preventive diplomacy and bring climate, water, mountain and environmental issues into global security. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev called Japarov to congratulate the election and pledged closer coordination on economic, transport and energy cooperation. Global Backdrop: The same vote saw Germany fail to secure a seat, while Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe won other seats. Water & Health at Home: Osh Region will receive a $60 million EFSD-backed clean drinking water project for 32 villages, targeting 158,000 residents, plus sanitation upgrades for schools and clinics. Weather: Kyrgyzstan faces rain and thunderstorms on June 5, with possible snow in high mountains and icy road conditions.