05.10.25
“For me, developing cooperation between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan is a special and honorable duty.”
The Turkish Ambassador to Bishkek, Mekin Mustafa Kemal Okem, stated that Türkiye’s investments in Kyrgyzstan have exceeded 1.4 billion dollars, and that expanding cooperation between the two countries is a special and honorable duty for him. This was reported by Anadolu Agency.
Ambassador Okem met with representatives of the local media in Bishkek and had breakfast with them. He spoke about the relations between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan, recalling that he first came to Kyrgyzstan in 1993, the very year when the first office of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in the world was opened here.
Mekin Mustafa Kemal Okem said: “For me, developing cooperation between my country and Kyrgyzstan — this beautiful land with its hospitable people — is a special and honorable duty. Half of my heart is Kyrgyz, the other half is Turkish.” He reminded that Türkiye was the first country to recognize Kyrgyzstan’s independence in 1991, noting that the Turkish Parliament recognized Kyrgyzstan within half an hour after its declaration of independence.
According to the Ambassador, Türkiye was also the first country to send an ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, which is why the registration number of the Turkish Embassy in Bishkek begins with 01. Speaking about the early years of bilateral relations, Okem said: “We persuaded Turkish Airlines to start flights to Bishkek. We provided broadcast equipment from Türkiye’s satellite. We launched a project for 10,000 students. Acting under the instructions of then-President Turgut Özal, we worked with the principle of ‘sharing with our brothers.”
Turkish investments cover all regions of the country
According to Okem, 350 Turkish companies operate in Kyrgyzstan in sectors such as mining, tourism, energy, construction, and transport. He noted that the total volume of Turkish investments has exceeded 1.4 billion dollars.
The Ambassador said: “Recently, Turkish companies have been implementing major projects in the fields of energy and construction. We hope that even more Turkish companies will take part in projects in Kyrgyzstan.” He added that Turkish investments are present in all regions of the country. Okem said that the Presidents of Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan have set a new trade target of 5 billion dollars. In 2024, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 5% compared to the previous year, reaching 1.546 billion dollars. As of July 2025, this figure stood at 829 million dollars.
The Ambassador noted that TİKA has implemented over 1,000 projects in Kyrgyzstan with a total budget of 88 million dollars, all based on the requests of the Kyrgyz side. He highlighted several projects supported by TİKA, such as the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Kyrgyz-Turkish Friendship Hospital, the Bishkek Innovation Center, and the “Özgön” fish farm, emphasizing that these projects have a direct impact on the lives of the Kyrgyz people.
Our Kyrgyz-Turkish “Manas” University is our greatest pride
According to Okem, his greatest pride is the Kyrgyz-Turkish “Manas” University, established in 1995. The Ambassador said: “I have met graduates of the Kyrgyz-Turkish ‘Manas’ University in every region of Kyrgyzstan. This brings me great joy and pride. The university provides free education to Kyrgyz youth, and I consider this very important.” He noted that this year, the Faculty of Medicine was opened at the university, admitting 37 students in its first year. He added that the faculty will gradually expand and become a gift to Kyrgyzstan’s healthcare system. He also praised MANAS TV, the university’s television channel, pointing out that during the pandemic, Kyrgyz students were able to continue their education through this channel.
This year we launched the “Stars of Kyrgyzstan” scholarship program
Emphasizing that education is a key pillar of relations between the two countries, Okem announced the launch of the “Stars of Kyrgyzstan” scholarship program for outstanding students. According to him, 11 students who ranked among the top 50 graduates in the national examination will receive scholarships to study in Türkiye this year.
In conclusion, the Ambassador spoke about the activities of the Maarif Foundation, providing information about projects in healthcare, religion, higher education, and culture. He also answered journalists’ questions and discussed topics such as treatment of Kyrgyz citizens in Türkiye, cooperation with media outlets, promotion of gastronomy, media training workshops, joint programs with TRT, and the creation of a technopark.
