CHOLPON-ATA: President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan announced on Saturday that his country, a former Soviet republic and an ally of Moscow, is prepared to work with the European Union (EU). This statement comes as the EU aims to strengthen its ties with Central Asia, a region traditionally regarded as Russia’s sphere of influence.
Global powers such as China and the EU have shown increased interest in the area following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, leading Central Asian nations to reevaluate their long-standing relationships with Russia and seek alternative economic, diplomatic, and strategic assurances.
President Japarov expressed Kyrgyzstan’s willingness to collaborate with the EU in addressing shared challenges, promoting dialogue, and finding lasting solutions during a meeting with EU Council President Charles Michel.
The summit, which took place in Cholpon-Ata and was attended by leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, marked the second gathering between the former Soviet republics of Central Asia and the EU. The EU is the region’s primary donor and investment partner.
Kyrgyzstan’s Potential in Solar and Hydroelectric Power
President Michel emphasized the EU’s sincere partnership offer to the five former Soviet republics in Central Asia, underscoring the EU’s commitment to the region. President Japarov highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s potential in solar and hydroelectric power, given its mountainous terrain and the origins of Central Asia’s major rivers within its borders. He also defended the Kambarata-1 dam project, which has caused tensions with Uzbekistan, as well as other hydroelectric initiatives in the region, despite increasing water shortages.
While Russia remains the dominant power in the tightly controlled and politically unstable Central Asian region, leaders in the area have faced criticism for enabling Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions imposed due to the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the neighboring country of Afghanistan, under Taliban control, poses further security concerns.
In a joint statement, President Japarov and President Michel emphasized their commitment to maintaining the independence of the Central Asian states. Notably, President Japarov publicly called for an end to the war in Ukraine, a rare declaration from a leader who typically refrains from publicly criticizing Moscow, upon which Kyrgyzstan is economically and militarily reliant.
