Kyrgyzstan has formally requested that Uzbekistan eliminate additional fees imposed on Kyrgyz citizens transiting through Uzbek territory, including charges for vehicle insurance and window tinting.
The matter was raised during a session of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament), where Deputy Foreign Minister Almaz Imangaziev confirmed that negotiations with Uzbek authorities are ongoing. According to Imangaziev, the request is currently under internal review in Uzbekistan.
“When Kyrgyz citizens transit through Uzbekistan, mainly en route to the southern regions of our country, they are required to purchase car insurance and pay additional fees if their windows are tinted. On our side, no such requirement exists,” said lawmaker Dastan Bekeshev, who called on the Foreign Ministry to advocate for the removal of these rules.
Imangaziev affirmed that Bishkek has already submitted a formal request to Tashkent. He added that if Uzbekistan fails to eliminate the fees, Kyrgyzstan may consider imposing reciprocal measures on Uzbek citizens transiting through Kyrgyz territory.
The development comes amid broader regional concerns over trade and transit barriers. On January 17, Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev addressed similar frustrations during a meeting in Tashkent with entrepreneurs, ambassadors, and government officials. He pointed to challenges faced by Uzbek exporters to Tajikistan, citing excessive procedures and additional customs fees that reportedly raise the price of Uzbek goods by approximately 15%, undermining their competitiveness.
Khodjaev warned that unless such restrictions are lifted, Uzbekistan may introduce symmetrical measures in response.
