Relations with the European Union

The bilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union aim at developing a closer partnership and cooperation in a number of areas. These relations were formalized and consolidated through the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in 1998, which provides the legal framework for cooperation.

The European Union (EU) has politically supported Kyrgyzstan in promoting democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and good governance. The EU has funded programmes and projects aimed at enhancing the capacity of Kyrgyz institutions and civil society. At the heart of these efforts are the promotion of freedom of expression and press freedom as well as the support of judicial reforms. Furthermore, the European Union has facilitated dialogue between the Kyrgyz government and civil society. It has also safeguarded the rights of minority groups. Moreover, the European Union's assistance in Kyrgyzstan extends tosustainable development and poverty reduction programmes. The EU's support in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental protection is significant.

Kyrgyzstan's participation in the EU's Central Asia Strategy adds a regional dimension to bilateral relations. The strategy aims to promote stability, security, and sustainable development across the region. Economic relations between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic were improving until the COVID-19 outbreak. Although the total trade volume with the EU reached EUR 310 million in 2020, it significantly declined due to the pandemic.

The first-ever EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, which was planned to be held in Bishkek in Autumn of 2021, presents the opportunity to improve trade and investments between Central Asia and the EU. Additionally, it can serve as a platform for discussing strategies for economic recovery in the post-COVID era.

The Kyrgyz Republic benefits from the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), a specific arrangement created to support sustainable development and good governance. Under this arrangement, the Kyrgyz Republic can export approximately 6200 products to the European Union without any fees or taxes.

As a beneficiary of GSP+ privileges, Kyrgyzstan must adhere to the ratification of 27 conventions and guarantee their effective implementation. Kyrgyzstan's compliance with these conventions is strictly monitored by the European Union through an advanced monitoring mechanism.

Relations with the Eurasian Economic Union

The Eurasian Economic Union emerged from the Eurasian Economic Community in 2015. The primary goal of the EEU is to create a common market and a free trade area. Among the five members, Russia is by far the largest country and dominates the EEU. For example, the share of the Russian economy in the combined GDP of the EEU was 87% in 2019. Accordingly, much of the trade takes place between Russia and each of the other member states.

Relations with Russia

Russia and Kyrgyzstan maintain close diplomatic relations that include both economic and political cooperation. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which underlines their joint efforts toward regional stability and security. Economically, Russia is the most important partner for Kyrgyzstan. Numerous Kyrgyz guest workers contribute to the economies of both countries through their work in Russia. Kyrgyzstan is also a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), a Russian-led project to promote economic integration. Politically, Russia and Kyrgyzstan cooperate to ensure regional stability and security, particularly in counter-terrorism measures. Elections have been held in both countries in recent years, accompanied by protests. These protests reflect shared concerns for democratic processes and civil rights.

Relations with Kazakhstan

political cooperation. As members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), they place great emphasis on economic and inclusive cooperation. Kazakhstan is a major trading partner of Kyrgyzstan and provides a platform for energy and infrastructure projects. Political cooperation aims at regional stability, security, and common interests in matters such as counter-terrorism and conflict prevention. Their similar cultural ties strengthen their relationship. Recent political activities in both countries, such as elections and protests, highlight concerns about democratic reforms and civil rights. The partnership between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is characterized by specific economic integration and cooperation, while facing its own challenges.

Relations with Belarus

Belarus and Kyrgyzstan first established diplomatic relations in 1993, and today both are members of all Eurasian alliances. Over the last few years, economic cooperation has increased, leading to higher trade turnover. Politically, the rulers of the two states also follow a similar line. Both Kyrgyzstan and Belarus held elections in 2020 which ended in protests. In both cases, the protests were due to increasingly totalitarian tendencies and the curtailment of civil rights and freedoms.

Relations with Armenia

Political relations between Armenia and Kyrgyzstan are friendly but not particularly deep. Economically, relations are limited, with volume of trade is low and there is little significant investment between the two countries. Geographical distance and different economic priorities may contribute to the lack of close ties. Overall, relations are rather limited but friendly.