Issyk-Kul - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 40

Turkish Influencers to Help Open Kyrgyzstan to the World

A group of popular Turkish bloggers arrived in Kyrgyzstan on September 24 to promote the country’s tourism potential. Meeting the bloggers upon arrival at Bishkek’s Manas International Airport, the airport's chairman Manasbek Samidinov commented: “Today, famous bloggers from the Turkish Republic, followed by millions of subscribers, arrived in Kyrgyzstan. From September 24 to 27, they will get acquainted with our country, explore its natural and cultural attractions, and personally experience the warm hospitality of the Kyrgyz people. The bloggers will show Turkey the best of Kyrgyzstan: our unique nature, culture, and hospitality, contributing to tourism development and opening our country to the world.” On September 13, an agreement was signed to establish twinning relations between the Kyrgyz resort town of Cholpon-Ata by Lake Issyk-Kul and Turkey’s Antalya. The twinning relations between the two resort cities will open up new prospects for interaction in various areas, including investment in tourism and infrastructure projects. Kyrgyzstan is expected to receive more than 10.5 million foreign tourists in 2024, compared to 8.5 million tourists who visited the country in 2023. Around 6.1 million foreign tourists visited Kyrgyzstan in the first eight months of 2024. Most came tfrom Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, followed by visitors from Turkey, China, India, Germany, Pakistan, the United States, and South Korea. The tourism industry accounts for 2.7% of the country's GDP.

Issyk-Kul International Relations Cultural Cooperation twin cities

Kyrgyzstan’s Cholpon-Ata and Turkey’s Antalya Become Twin Cities

Turkey's Antalya and Kyrgyzstan's Cholpon-Ata have become twin cities; the official ceremony on the establishment of ties was held in Turkey. According to the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry, the corresponding document between the resort towns of the two countries was signed by the mayors of the cities. Both sides believe that cooperation between Cholpon-Ata and Antalya will open up opportunities for tourism and infrastructure development projects. “Special attention in the framework of future interaction will be paid to the exchange of experience in the development of urban infrastructure and the coastal zone of Lake Issyk-Kul, construction technologies, as well as environmentally friendly solutions to protect the environment,” representatives of the Foreign Ministry stated. Diplomats believe signing a protocol on "twin" relations will create favorable conditions for attracting Turkish investment in Kyrgyzstan's tourism sector and implementing joint initiatives. The Kyrgyz side also proposed to the Antalya authorities that a Turkish educational center be built in Cholpon-Ata to train tourism specialists.

International Relations Border China Issyk-Kul

New Checkpoint Opens on Kyrgyzstan’s Border With China

A new checkpoint has opened along the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, in the settlement of Bedel in the Issyk-Kul region. Kyrgyz president Sadyr Japarov called the event historic and significant for the country. In his address, Japarov emphasized that opening the Bedel checkpoint is a significant achievement that opens new opportunities for strengthening ties with China, one of the world's leading economies. This step, he said, will significantly increase Kyrgyzstan's transport and logistics potential, and strengthen the strategic partnership with China, symbolizing a new stage in bilateral relations. The issue of opening the Bedel checkpoint has been discussed since 1996, but agreements were reached only last year, during Japarov's state visit to China. The new checkpoint is the third checkpoint on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China. It is located in the remote southeastern region of Kyrgyzstan, about equidistant from the Kyrgyz town of Karakol and the district of Aksu in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Historically, travelers and traders used this pass on the Silk Road. The opening of the Bedel border station is expected to significantly improve trade ties between the two countries, and relieve pressure on existing border crossings.

Emergency Floods Climate Emergency Issyk-Kul Climate Change

Villages Evacuated After Lake Bursts in Kyrgyzstan

On August 21, 2024, a mountain lake, Zyndan, burst in the Ton district of the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. This caused a sharp rise in the water level in the Ton River and led to flooding of nearby settlements, including Tuura-Suu village and a section of the Tuura-Suu - Temir-Kanat highway. A state of emergency was declared due to the threat of flooding. More than 400 residents of Tuura-Suu village were evacuated and temporarily accommodated in schools in the neighboring towns of Eshperov and Ak-Sai. Using special equipment, rescuers and local authorities channeled Lake Zyndan's waters into the Ton River bed to prevent further destruction. Ministry of Emergency Situations officials, police, and local government officials are continuing to monitor the situation around the clock. Two excavators and three loaders, as well as other necessary equipment to repair the consequences of the breach, are involved in the operation. The breach was caused by intense precipitation and glacial melt, which increased pressure on the lake and led to its erosion. This event attracted the attention of local authorities and international organizations concerned about climate change and its impact on the region. Yesterday, TCA reported on a meeting between the heads of the national emergency departments of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan which was held last week in Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul, which was aimed at broadening cooperation. Following this meeting, powerful mudslides caused by heavy rain struck the region once again, flooding the streets of Cholpon-Ata.

Investment Pavel Durov Issyk-Kul

Pavel Durov’s Visit to Issyk-Kul Sparks Investment Hopes

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram and VK, has visited the Issyk-Kul region in Kyrgyzstan, generating significant interest amidst speculations about a potential investment in a large-scale project. The government are currently keen on attracting investment in the Three Peaks ski resort, and local authorities believe that his involvement could substantially enhance the potential of the project. Durov’s presence as an investor is seen as a strategic move that could attract additional capital and provide invaluable advertising support. Durov is traveling with Russian blogger Huseyn Gasanov, whom sources suggest could play a mediating role in the negotiations with the local authorities. The presence of Durov and Gasanov has not gone unnoticed by locals. The pair were recently spotted at the Petroglyphs Park in Cholpon-Ata, sparking rumors and excitement among residents. Many hope that this high-profile visit will lead to concrete investment plans and significantly boost the local economy.

Issyk-Kul Security Economy Social

Two Arrested Over Calls for Milk Riots in Kyrgyzstan

In the Issyk-Kul region, citizens suspected of calling for mass riots have been detained; this was reported by 24.kg citing the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) press center. According to the GKNB, two citizens used WhatsApp messenger to agitate local farmers and organize riots in groups with over a thousand participants, calling for blockades and taking milk truck drivers hostage. These actions are related to the seasonal decrease in milk prices due to its low-fat content. Experts confirmed the presence of calls to organize mass riots in the audio recordings. A criminal case has been opened, and an investigation is underway. The GKNB urged citizens to observe public order and not to give in to provocations spread through social networks.