04.10.25
Cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey continues to deepen, both through direct engagement and within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This is reflected in the two countries’ collaboration across various sectors—from culture to economics. The topic was highlighted during a press briefing attended by representatives of the Turkish Embassy in Kyrgyzstan and local media.
Political cooperation
In November of last year, during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official visit to Kyrgyzstan, the 6th meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held. As a result of the visit, bilateral relations were elevated from a “strategic partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz paid an official visit to Kyrgyzstan on September 17–18, 2025. Within this visit, the 12th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission was held, yielding highly productive outcomes. The two sides agreed to continue cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, energy, mining, education, healthcare, and transport.
The Vice President also attended the OTS Summit of Prime Ministers/Vice Presidents, chaired by Kyrgyzstan. Turkey expressed its support for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan and voiced optimism that they would benefit the country.
Trade and investment ties
Trade turnover between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan has been steadily increasing. In 2024, it grew by 5% compared to the previous year, reaching $1.546 billion. As of July 2025, bilateral trade amounted to $829 million.
The two presidents have set a goal of expanding trade volume to $5 billion.
Turkish investments in Kyrgyzstan exceed $1.4 billion. Currently, around 350 Turkish companies operate in sectors such as mining, tourism, energy, construction, and transportation. These companies have implemented major projects, particularly in energy and construction, and have expressed readiness to expand cooperation further.
Partnership in institutional development
Turkey and Kyrgyzstan support each other’s progress in science and technology through various institutions. The most prominent among them is TİKA, which opened its office in Kyrgyzstan in 1993.
To date, TİKA has implemented over 1,000 projects in the country, with a total value of $88 million. Turkey’s total development assistance exceeds $1 billion. Notable projects include the “Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Friendship State Hospital” in Bishkek, the Innovation Center for Science, and the “Özgen” Fishery Plant.
Cooperation in education
Education is one of the key pillars of Kyrgyz–Turkish cooperation. Currently, 1,472 students study in 7 primary and secondary schools. Since 2021, the Turkish Maarif Foundation has been active in Kyrgyzstan, operating 21 schools, 16 dormitories, and one university, serving about 16,700 students in total.
The Kyrgyz–Turkish Manas University celebrated its 30th anniversary this year and remains the only higher education institution in Kyrgyzstan ranked among the world’s top 1,000 universities. The university hosts more than 4,000 students and has produced over 13,200 graduates. Since 2025, it has opened a new Faculty of Medicine.
Over 5,000 Kyrgyz students study on scholarships. An additional 345 students began their studies under the “Türkiye Scholarships” program.
Moreover, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) launched a special scholarship program for Kyrgyzstan titled “Kyrgyz Stars,” awarding 11 scholarships to top-performing students selected from the 50 highest scorers in the national exam.
Cooperation in healthcare
The “Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Kyrgyz–Turkish Friendship State Hospital” in Bishkek was officially inaugurated last year by the presidents of both countries. Since opening, the hospital has treated 55,818 patients and performed 1,065 surgeries. Departments include cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, general surgery, pulmonology, internal medicine, and nephrology.
Ten successful organ transplants have been performed—two liver and eight kidney transplants.
Under a bilateral agreement, approximately 100 Kyrgyz citizens each year receive free medical treatment in Turkey.
Expanding cultural ties
Kyrgyzstan and Turkey are united by shared history and culture, and this area has also seen tangible progress. In July 2025, the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center opened in Bishkek.
Turkey continues to support Kyrgyz citizens with various religious services. The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) and the Diyanet Foundation support Osh State Faculty of Theology and the Osh “Imam Hatip” School, where 438 students are currently studying.
The Family and Religious Center at the Imam Sarakhsi Mosque in Bishkek provides support to women. In 2025 alone, the Diyanet Foundation granted scholarships to 350 Kyrgyz students. All these facts demonstrate that the comprehensive cooperation and mutual support between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey will undoubtedly continue to strengthen in the future.
https://vesti.kg/politika/item/144138-kyrgyzsko-turetskie-otnosheniya-prodolzhayut-ukreplyatsya.html
