Post by : Shakul

Kyrgyzstan has strengthened its regional cooperation efforts by participating in the 5th Forum of Heads of Regions of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states held in Issyk-Kul. The international forum focused on expanding economic partnerships, infrastructure development, and interregional cooperation under the theme “Interregional Partnership in the SCO: 25 Years of Joint Development.”

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Erlist Akunbekov represented Kyrgyzstan during the high-level event. Speaking at the forum, he stated that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has evolved into one of the most influential platforms for political, economic, and regional cooperation across Eurasia over the past 25 years.

Erlist Akunbekov emphasized that regions and cities have become the practical foundation for stronger cooperation among SCO member states. He noted that interregional partnerships have helped improve trade relations, strengthen business connections, and create opportunities for joint development projects among participating countries.

According to Kyrgyz officials, trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and SCO countries has increased by more than 2.2 times during the last four years. Authorities also highlighted several major infrastructure projects currently under development in Kyrgyzstan, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the Bedel checkpoint on the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, the Barskoon-Bedel highway, and multiple energy sector initiatives.

Officials described these infrastructure projects as strategically important not only for Kyrgyzstan but also for the broader SCO region because they are expected to improve regional connectivity, strengthen transport corridors, and support long-term economic growth throughout Central Asia and neighboring markets.

The forum also brought together high-ranking representatives from Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the SCO Secretariat. Delegates discussed ways to strengthen investment cooperation, support regional development initiatives, and improve economic integration among SCO member states.

Several important agreements were signed during the event. These included a memorandum of cooperation between the Bishkek Free Economic Zone and the Brest Free Economic Zone of Belarus, as well as a new sister city agreement between Bishkek and Zhengzhou in China. Additional cooperation agreements involving Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn Free Economic Zone were also finalized.

Kyrgyz authorities stated that the country remains committed to expanding interregional cooperation within the SCO framework and creating new opportunities for trade, investment, infrastructure development, and long-term regional stability through stronger partnerships with neighboring countries.

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