On May 29, 2024, in Rome, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zheenbek Kulubaev, took part in the ministerial conference “Central Asia - Italy”.

The heads of foreign affairs departments of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Italy discussed current topics of expanding interregional cooperation. In particular, in the trade, economic and investment spheres, transport connectivity, energy and ecology. Issues of regional development and global challenges were also discussed.

In his speech, Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev noted that Kyrgyzstan seeks to strengthen political dialogue and develop cooperation between our countries. He outlined the priorities of Kyrgyzstan in regional cooperation, namely, in the areas of trade, transport and logistics infrastructure and hydropower.

In this context, the significant hydropower potential of the country was especially emphasized as an attractive industry for foreign investment, with prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the implementation of joint projects, including the production of renewable energy.

Speaking about the development of regional transport corridors, Minister Zh.M. Kulubaev informed his colleagues about the measures taken by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic to modernize the country’s transport arteries. He also noted the need for Central Asian countries to digitalize trade and customs procedures to synchronize them with world standards.

As part of the discussion of climate change problems, Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev emphasized the negative impact of global warming on the intensive melting of mountain glaciers, which is a threat to environmental and food security of the entire Central Asian region.

Among other factors of regional security, the Kyrgyz side expressed interest in establishing peace and prosperity in neighboring Afghanistan, and the need to resume joint efforts to support the development of this country.

At the end of his speech, Minister Zh.M. Kulubaev expressed hope that this event will bring real practical results for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Italy.