Kyrgyzstan says it is complying with international sanctions regimes

Kyrgyzstan is complying with all applicable international sanctions regimes and continues to work closely with its international partners to ensure compliance, Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev said.

Kulubaev said Bishkek is coordinating with the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States on sanctions-related matters, with the president, the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Bank and other state institutions involved in the process, Caliber.Az reports per Kyrgyz media. 

The foreign minister said recent increases in trade with certain countries reflect Kyrgyzstan's economic needs rather than attempts to circumvent sanctions.

He noted that higher trade with Estonia was linked to the purchase of equipment for domestic use, while increased imports from China were driven by machinery supplies for major infrastructure projects, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the Kambarata-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant.

The Foreign Ministry also acknowledged that it had not previously been proactive enough in explaining the country's sanctions compliance efforts and said it would strengthen cooperation between Kyrgyz diplomats and the authorities of partner countries.

“All dual-use goods undergo mandatory inspection. If the goods meet the established requirements, they are cleared for transit; otherwise, the consignment is returned to the sender or confiscated in accordance with the law. Allegations that Kyrgyzstan is violating sanctions are unfounded. We are ready to provide the necessary clarifications and supporting evidence on any issue raised by our partners,” the ministry said.

By Sabina Mammadli