BISHKEK: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized the necessity of maintaining strong cooperative ties with Russia, citing significant economic dependencies and regional connectivity despite Western criticism and pressures related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

According to Trend News Agency, President Zhaparov articulated his stance in response to pressures from Western countries that have been critical of Russia since the war with Ukraine began. These countries have urged Kyrgyzstan to cut ties with Moscow. However, Zhaparov expressed that severing relations is not feasible due to the intertwined economic and geographical factors. “We cannot abandon cooperation with Russia. Our trade turnover with Russia exceeds $4 billion. We buy oil, gas, wheat, and other food products from Russia. Geographically, we are a landlocked country. Our road and rail connections to the world pass through Russia. There are about a million of our migrants in Russia,” Zhaparov explained.

The President also highlighted
the hypocrisy he perceives in the demands of Western nations, pointing out their own economic interactions with Russia. “Your trade turnover with Russia reaches $6 billion a year. When you need it, you cooperate with Russia without hesitation, yet tell us not to cooperate. This is an unfair demand,” he stated.

Further detailing Kyrgyzstan’s international relations, Zhaparov noted the country’s recent agreement with the European Union and improved trade with CIS countries, underscoring a policy of engaging globally on equal terms and mutual benefits. “Trade turnover with some CIS countries has increased sevenfold over the past four years. Geographically, we are also close to CIS countries. Our daily affairs are intertwined with them. In some matters, we are dependent on each other, so it is impossible to abandon cooperation with them,” he added.

Moreover, President Zhaparov assured that Kyrgyzstan, as a member of the United Nations, adheres strictly to international laws, including sanctions against Russia,
ensuring that the nation does not deal in goods subject to international restrictions.