The key facts

  • The meeting of the Kyrgyz delegation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took place in Samarkand in the C5+1 format
  • Bishkek declared its commitment to dialogue with the US on sanctions requirements and preventing the expansion of restrictions
  • Trade, investment, and Kyrgyzstan's UN Security Council membership in 2027–2028 were discussed

Meeting in Samarkand

Special Representative of the President of Kyrgyzstan Bakyt Sadykov said on Monday that the country intends to continue working with the US to prevent the expansion of sanctions restrictions and to maintain constructive dialogue on this topic. According to the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry, he discussed sanctions issues with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the C5+1 ministerial meeting. Sadykov informed the American side about current efforts related to the sanctions imposed on Kyrgyzstan.

Dialogue on sanctions and cooperation

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev, who also took part in the meeting, confirmed his commitment to constructive dialogue with Washington on compliance with sanctions requirements. He expressed interest in solutions that facilitate humanitarian, educational, and business exchanges. The parties discussed expanding trade and economic ties and attracting American investment and technology. Kulubaev noted opportunities in the mining industry, energy, information technology, transport, and finance.

UN Security Council and sanctions context

Kulubaev and Rubio also discussed prospects for cooperation in the UN Security Council following Kyrgyzstan's election as a non-permanent member for 2027–2028. According to the Foreign Ministry, the meeting confirmed mutual interest in strengthening relations and regular political dialogue. Context: The US and EU began imposing sanctions on Kyrgyz companies after the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war, accusing them of helping Moscow circumvent restrictions.