Kyrgyz president's landmark visit to Azerbaijan sets stage for strategic alliance A new chapter in bilateral relations

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov's two-day state visit to Azerbaijan proved to be significant, marked by the convening of the 2nd meeting of the Interstate Council and the signing of several bilateral agreements. Despite Kyrgyzstan lacking direct access to the sea, unlike Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan, both Baku and Bishkek recognize numerous areas of economic cooperation, particularly in developing transportation links along the Middle Corridor, which echoes the historic path of the Great Silk Road. Bishkek acknowledges Azerbaijan's transport and logistical capabilities as pivotal for expanding trade relations, as evidenced by the steady growth in trade turnover between the two nations.

Baku and Bishkek see joint work in the field of renewable energy sources (RES) as an important area. Kyrgyzstan aims at investing in projects in Karabakh, and Sadyr Zhaparov's trip to Aghdam and Fuzuli was certainly not just symbolic in nature. It is quite obvious that the visit of the Kyrgyz President is aimed at opening a new chapter in the cooperation between the two countries.

What do Kyrgyz experts think about Sadyr Zhaparov's visit to Azerbaijan? How do they assess its results?  

Kyrgyz political scientist and regional security expert Mars Sariyev believes that during Sadyr Zhaparov's visit to Azerbaijan a lot was done, the results of which are impressive - twelve bilateral documents were signed. As he noted in a conversation with Caliber.Az, this visit is taking place at a significant time, when the situation in the South Caucasus is changing dramatically, and the negotiation processes are stabilizing.

"And I think the day is not far when the Zangazur corridor will open, to connect Central Asian countries with Europe through Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Thus, the Great Silk Road project will work in full force.

The situation in the South Caucasus is completely changing, and it is precisely at a time when Sadyr Zhaparov visits Baku, I think it is not accidental. Because now, with the approach of peace and mutually beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Türkiye, there will be economic growth and prosperity of the region. And, accordingly, all the transportation corridors that will emerge in the region will contribute to the prosperity of the Central Asian countries as well. The geopolitical map of Eurasia is changing globally, and, in my opinion, the documents that were signed are only the beginning of mutually beneficial cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. I think we still have a lot to do together, because we see a qualitative change in the situation in the South Caucasus, I think prosperity awaits your region as a result of mutually beneficial trade, transportation routes and communications," Sariyev underlined.

At the same time, analyst Mederbek Korganbaev noted that under President Zhaparov, the relationship between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan is significantly strengthening. According to the expert, in Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani relations for Bishkek the priority areas are strengthening of military-technical cooperation and expansion of trade and economic sector.

"The Kyrgyz Republic considers Azerbaijan as a strategic and regional ally in the expanses of Eurasia and the Central Asian region, especially since Azerbaijan is a strong military-political and economic player in the Caucasus and post-Soviet countries. At the same time, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan share a common Turkic culture and fraternal ties. The policy and achievements of the Azerbaijani people under the leadership of President Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev serve as the best example for Kyrgyzstan to follow," the political scientist emphasized.

In his opinion, due to the aggravation of the geopolitical situation across the globe, Kyrgyzstan has to look for a new and most importantly - a reliable partner in order to address issues related to security (fight against terrorism, separatism and international crime), strengthening defence capabilities and economic growth.

"In Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a republic rich in water and land resources, and in the future we will have to protect the available natural wealth and territory. Kyrgyzstan needs a strong shoulder and support, as currently no Central Asian country can cope with the aforementioned threats alone. In this geopolitical situation, the rapprochement between Bishkek and Baku is the right decision of the Kyrgyz leadership. We are happy that Azerbaijan responds to our aspirations and takes a step forward. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov’s current visit reinforces Bishkek's intentions to strengthen relations with Baku at the highest level.

In my opinion, within the next three years Azerbaijan may become one of the key suppliers of arms and military equipment for the needs of the Kyrgyz army. The Kyrgyz army will receive the standards of education and training of the Azerbaijani armed forces. It should be noted that Kyrgyzstan has acquired Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVs following Azerbaijan's example. Baku also has serious investment potential for investing capital in green energy of our republic, construction of small hydroelectric power plants and solar and wind energy stations. As they say, Baku and Bishkek have something to offer each other. It is necessary to develop our ties and agreements, and joint cooperation will surely yield results," the analyst concluded.