Importance of Kyrgyzstan's Perspective in Afghani Politics
The Kyrgyz Republic, a Central Asian nation, has been actively pursuing strategic initiatives, with the CASA-1000 energy project being one of its key focuses. This project aims to export electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In August 2025, the Kyrgyz Republic took part in the inaugural meeting of the regional Special Representatives on the Afghan issue in Tashkent. This marked a significant step in the development of Kyrgyz-Afghan relations. The visit resulted in the signing of a roadmap, a memorandum of understanding on trade and economic cooperation, and agreements to establish trade houses in both Bishkek and Kabul.
Afghanistan, with its larger neighboring states holding significant influence, often perceives the Kyrgyz Republic as a secondary partner. However, the Kyrgyz Republic's initiative and the growing demand for its involvement at the regional level are increasingly evident. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to approximately $66 million, with Afghan exports accounting for around $7 million, and imports from the Kyrgyz Republic reaching $59 million.
The Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, visited Bishkek in August 2025. During his visit, he invited the Kyrgyz Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Afghanistan. The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in various sectors, including transport, energy, the textile industry, education, and healthcare.
The Kyrgyz Republic maintains tangible economic interests in Afghanistan and stands to benefit significantly from the development of transport corridors. These corridors diversify trade routes, expand access to South Asian markets, and attract investment. One such potential strategic link could be the planned China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, when integrated with the Trans-Afghan Corridor.
However, within Kyrgyz society, Afghanistan is frequently perceived through the prism of insecurity and radicalism, creating barriers to deeper engagement. This is a challenge that the Kyrgyz Republic, along with other regional players, must address to fully realise the potential benefits of its growing ties with Afghanistan.
It is important to note that the Kyrgyz Republic officially removed the Taliban from its list of banned organizations in September 2024. This decision, coupled with Bishkek's engagement, could impart a distinctly regional dimension to the Afghan agenda and lay the groundwork for practical measures, including a gradual movement toward the recognition of Afghanistan at the regional level.
Kyrgyzstan plays a strategic role in Central Asia's coherent approach to Afghanistan. It hosts Russian military facilities, participates in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) alongside Russia, and balances influences from Moscow and Beijing. Bishkek's support for the Russian military presence has been instrumental in stabilizing the region after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the country has also served as a pivotal transit point, as exemplified by the former U.S. Manas Air Base.
In conclusion, the Kyrgyz Republic's strategic initiatives and growing engagement with Afghanistan are set to shape the regional dynamics of Central Asia. The development of trade, transport corridors, and cooperation in various sectors holds the potential for mutual benefits and regional stability.
(This article is written by Islomkhon Gafarov, PhD in Political Science, a Policy Analyst at the Center for Progressive Reforms, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.)
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