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Japarov Urges Kyrgyz Citizens Not to Obstruct Small Hydropower Plant Construction

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has urged citizens to support the construction of small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) across the country, emphasizing their importance for energy independence. According to Japarov, 40 small HPPs are currently operational in Kyrgyzstan, generating 312.5 million kWh of electricity annually. Construction has begun on 37 additional small HPPs, with 18 set to be commissioned in 2025, adding a total capacity of 385.2 million kWh. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan has launched solar and wind power projects with a combined capacity of 5,624 MW to diversify its energy sources. Untapped Energy Potential and Local Resistance Despite having the capacity to generate 142 billion kWh of electricity annually, Kyrgyzstan currently produces only 14 billion kWh, utilizing just 10% of its potential. Meanwhile, the country imports 3 billion kWh of electricity each year. Japarov noted that in regions where small HPPs are under construction, local residents have blocked roads and disrupted work, citing concerns about water pollution. “We are a country located at the source of water resources, yet we still import electricity,” Japarov stated in his address. “To resolve this crisis, we launched the large-scale construction of small and medium-sized HPPs in 2021. Additionally, work has begun on the Kambarata-1 HPP, which will further strengthen our energy security. Our goal is to eliminate dependency on imports, achieve energy self-sufficiency, and eventually export surplus electricity.” Appeal for Public Cooperation Japarov called on local communities to cooperate, urging them to endure temporary inconveniences during construction. “Construction lasts a maximum of three months. Work is carried out during the day, so in the mornings, before any impact on water, residents can collect clean water for their daily needs. These projects will serve our country, our people, and future generations.” In many remote rural areas of Kyrgyzstan, access to piped drinking water remains limited, forcing residents to rely on rivers and lakes for their water supply. While environmental concerns persist, the government maintains that small HPPs are essential for long-term energy sustainability and economic development.

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Sadyr Japarov Criticizes European Deputies for One-Sided Reports on Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has criticized European Parliament deputies for what he described as one-sided and subjective reporting on human rights issues in Kyrgyzstan. Speaking at a meeting with members of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights, Japarov expressed regret that EU officials had not sought clarification from the Kyrgyz government before publishing their reports. European officials have previously raised concerns about criminal cases against independent journalists, particularly those linked to Temirov Live, as well as the prosecution of activists who opposed the transfer of the Kempir-Abad reservoir to Uzbekistan. Addressing these concerns, Japarov defended his administration’s handling of these cases, stating that the judiciary operated independently and that some accused individuals had been acquitted. “Two journalists are in custody, probation was applied to two, and seven were acquitted. The courts made their decisions, and we accepted them. When we resolved border issues with Uzbekistan, the so-called ‘Kempir-Abad group’ opposed the agreement, claiming we had given away land. But in reality, 99% of the population saw the deal as beneficial. Only 26 people protested, calling for unrest, and were arrested. But the court later acquitted them, and we did not object,” Japarov said. He reiterated that freedom of speech and human rights remain key priorities for Kyrgyzstan. “As an active member of the international community and the UN Human Rights Council, Kyrgyzstan is committed to strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and upholding international obligations,” he stated. Chairman of the European Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, Mounir Satouri, acknowledged the importance of strategic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the EU and expressed readiness for an open dialogue on the issues raised.

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After Deadly Mining Accident, Kazakhstan to Inspect Hazardous Industries

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has ordered an audit of industrial facilities to assess their compliance with safety standards following a deadly accident at a Kazakhmys Corporation mine in the Ulytau region. Tokayev described the state of workplace safety in Kazakhstan as “unacceptable”, citing gross violations of safety regulations. He criticized companies for failing to invest adequately in worker protection, leading to industrial accidents, fatalities, and injuries. Government Mandates Safety Overhaul “The President instructed the government to take the following measures to ensure the safety of citizens involved in hazardous production facilities: conduct an audit of facilities for compliance with industrial safety standards, develop and implement modern safety systems, including gas alarms, seismic sensors, and positioning systems,” reads an official statement. Tokayev also directed authorities to digitize industrial safety systems, introducing automated forecasting and warning mechanisms. Based on the audit’s findings, companies will be required to increase investment in modern safety technologies by adjusting their operational programs. Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with tightening supervision and regulatory controls in the industrial sector. “These instructions have been placed under special control by the presidential administration,” the statement emphasized. Investigation Into the Mining Tragedy As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, on February 17, an explosion at the Zhomart mine in Zhanaarka district, Ulytau region, killed seven employees of Kazakhmys Corporation LLP. A government commission was established to investigate the incident, with preliminary findings attributing the accident to a natural gas explosion. Mining operations at the site have been suspended pending the results of the investigation. Two specialized subcommissions have been created: One to determine the cause of the accident. Another to identify possible safety violations. These subcommissions are expected to complete their work by March 1. Calls for Stronger Oversight Kazakhstan’s parliament is pushing for stricter workplace safety measures, particularly in the mining sector. Mazhilis deputy Arman Kalykov has proposed the creation of a separate state body dedicated to industrial safety, which would report directly to the prime minister.

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Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Leaders Discuss Regional Cooperation and Tourism Development

On January 25, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov paid a visit to Uzbekistan, where he held an informal meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Amirsoy resort complex in the Tashkent region. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of topics, including bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and international politics. The relaxed setting allowed for a candid exchange of ideas about enhancing collaboration between the neighboring countries. President Japarov commended the modern infrastructure of the Amirsoy ski resort, describing it as meeting international standards. Both leaders expressed a shared vision for developing joint tourism projects that capitalize on the unique natural landscapes of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. This cooperation, they noted, could help create resort and recreation centers in both countries, boosting tourism and local economies. President Japarov shared his impressions of Amirsoy in a Facebook post, accompanied by aerial photographs of the resort. Reflecting on Kyrgyzstan's missed opportunities in tourism development, he wrote: “Mountains occupy 94% of the territory of our country. Each of our seven regions could have such resorts. But we hardly have them. Why? Because since we gained independence, from ordinary people to presidents, we have only been engaged in politics. Every day we held meetings, and every day there were weddings. We did not pay attention to the economy, tourism, and other important areas.” Japarov praised Mirziyoyev's efforts in building Amirsoy from scratch, highlighting its economic and social benefits. “Looking at the Amirsoy ski resort, I was amazed. My colleague Shavkat Mirziyoyev built this resort from scratch. No problem. Blessed. How many people are employed? Millions of tourists come here to relax. The level of service is not inferior to that of Europe. Everything is at a high level,” Japarov wrote. The informal meeting highlights the strengthening relationship between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, as both countries seek to enhance cooperation in various fields, including tourism, economic development, and regional stability.

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Tokayev on Kazakhstan’s Future: Reforms, Diplomacy, and Global Leadership

In an interview with the Kazakh newspaper Ana Tili, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed pressing domestic and international policy issues shaping Kazakhstan's development. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a stabilizing force in the international arena during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. “My main goal is to strengthen the economic potential, sovereignty, and international position of our state. From the very beginning of my presidency, I have taken full responsibility for the decisions I make and their consequences. I cannot and do not want to work any other way,” Tokayev stated. [caption id="attachment_27253" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Image: Akorda[/caption] Reflecting on Qantar - Building a Just Kazakhstan Tokayev addressed the January 2022 unrest - Qantar - describing the upheaval as a consequence of deep-rooted social injustice and political stagnation. “Three years after Qantar, most of our citizens understand that the unprecedented unrest was driven by social inequality, political stagnation, and the self-serving ambitions of the conspirators,” Tokayev said, warning against the spread of misinformation surrounding the events and emphasized that decisive action was necessary to preserve Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. Tokayev reiterated his commitment to creating a fairer Kazakhstan where all citizens are equal before the law. “Justice is not universal equalization. My course on the fair distribution of national wealth does not mean total expropriation or redistribution of property and assets. Such a policy would lead to degradation and chaos. Instead, we aim to eliminate illegal privileges and return unlawfully acquired assets to the state as part of our modernization strategy,” the president said. Relations with Nazarbayev While acknowledging the achievements of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan’s first president, Tokayev also critiqued certain aspects of his leadership. “After resigning but remaining chairman of the Security Council, he often held meetings with key officials, creating confusion and sparking rumors of dual power. This situation led some to claim that the Elbasy Institute should supersede presidential authority,” Tokayev noted. He further revealed that Nazarbayev had considered returning to power in 2021, citing his strong ties to Moscow. Advancing Political Reforms and International Relations Tokayev pointed to the successful implementation of key political reforms, emphasizing greater openness and the activation of public participation. “The concept of ‘Strong President, Influential Parliament, Accountable Government’ best suits Kazakhstan’s political system. However, achieving this fully requires sustained effort,” Tokayev explained, reaffirming his belief that a presidential system remains the optimal governance model for Kazakhstan. Tokayev also elaborated on relations with major powers, including Russia, China, and the United States, underscoring the importance of Kazakhstan’s partnership with Russia, highlighting their shared border and deep economic ties. “President Putin is an experienced statesman who values Kazakhstan’s strategic importance as Central Asia’s largest economy. Our constant communication fosters stability in Eurasia,” Tokayev said. He described Kazakhstan’s cooperation with China as dynamic and multifaceted, elevating their relationship to the level of an "eternal strategic partnership." Tokayev also mentioned his conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, noting Trump’s positive view of Kazakhstan as a strategic partner. Nuclear Power Plans, Middle Powers and Global Stability On nuclear energy, Tokayev...

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Diplomacy in Detail: Where Each Central Asian Leader Traveled to in 2024

Central Asia is often synonymous with the term "multi-vector foreign policy," enabling its nations to navigate the competing interests of global and regional powers effectively. This "open door" strategy, grounded in the principle of "my friend's friend is my friend," has consistently granted Central Asian countries a distinctive role on the international stage, aiding them in achieving their foreign policy objectives despite shifting geopolitical dynamics. Drawing from official sources, we analyze the frequency and geography of foreign visits by the leaders of Central Asia in 2024, offering insights into their diplomatic engagements. Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov embarked on eight foreign trips in 2024. Among these, only one - a bilateral visit to Malaysia - was not tied to multilateral events. The other seven engagements showcased Turkmenistan’s participation in global diplomacy: XVI BRICS Summit (Kazan) CIS Heads of State Summit (Moscow) Victory Day Celebration (Moscow) Informal CIS Leaders' Meeting (St. Petersburg) Central Asia-Germany Summit (Astana) Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders (Astana) UN COP28 Conference (Dubai) This year, Berdimuhamedov visited Russia four times, and Kazakhstan twice, and made single trips to the UAE and Malaysia. In parallel, his father and the previous president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, conducted 10 trips, including four bilateral visits to the UAE and Tajikistan and two to Iran. His international commitments included: One Water Summit (Riyadh) Turkic States’ Council of Elders (Budapest) V World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony (Astana) SCO Summit (Astana) Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum (Kazan) Antalya Diplomatic Forum (Antalya) Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon undertook 22 foreign trips in 2024, six of which were bilateral, with visits to Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Italy/Vatican, and Qatar (twice). Multilateral engagements included: CSTO Summit (Astana) Central Asia-Germany Summit (Astana) Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders (Astana) SCO Plus Meeting (Astana) COP29 Climate Conference (Baku) Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit (Riyadh) UN COP28 Conference (Dubai) UN General Assembly (New York) Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made 18 international visits, including state visits to Turkey, China, and Tajikistan. He participated in numerous events: COP29 Climate Conference (Baku) Turkic States Informal Summit (Shusha) Arab-Islamic Summit (Riyadh) UN COP28 Conference (Dubai) SCO Meeting (Astana) BRICS+ Summit (Kazan) Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev led the region in diplomatic outreach with 23 visits. Eleven of these were state visits to Hungary, Serbia, France, Italy/Vatican, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and Singapore. Key multilateral events included: Doha Forum (Doha) One Water Summit (Riyadh) COP29 Climate Conference (Baku) Boao Forum (Boao) Tokayev visited Russia five times, and Azerbaijan three times, and made additional trips to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other countries in Europe and Asia. Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov also made 23 foreign visits, including eight state visits to South Korea, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Italy/Vatican. He attended numerous multilateral forums: CSTO Summit (Astana) Central Asia-Germany Summit (Astana) UN COP28 Conference (Dubai) BRICS+ Summit (Kazan) Japarov visited Russia five times, and Kazakhstan four times, and made single trips to several European and Asian countries. In 2024, Tokayev and Japarov led the region in the number of foreign visits. While...