Bishkek, Brussels deepen cooperation on strategic hydropower project

Kyrgyzstan and the European Union have discussed advancing cooperation on major infrastructure initiatives, including the construction of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower plant, during talks between President Sadyr Japarov and EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais.

The meeting focused on expanding bilateral and regional engagement, covering projects under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative as well as cooperation within the “Central Asia – European Union” framework, according to local media outlet Economist.kg.

Japarov said that ties with the European Union and the strengthening of the Central Asia–EU format remain key priorities of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy. He highlighted the importance of jointly implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, including the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower plant.

Stiprais, for his part, congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. He described the Kambar-Ata-1 project as one of the flagship areas of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the EU.

According to Stiprais, the project has the potential to enhance regional energy security, deepen cooperation among Central Asian states, and open additional opportunities for energy connectivity with South Asia.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Kyrgyz-European relations and continuing dialogue on issues of mutual interest.

By Tamilla Hasanova