Dear Readers of Envoy Excellency
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, I warmly greet you and express my sincere appreciation for preparing this special issue dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Kyrgyz Republic.
On 31 August 1991, Kyrgyzstan attained state sovereignty and embarked on the path of independent development. In recent years, under the leadership of President Sadyr Japarov, our country has achieved significant progress across all spheres of public life. The state budget has increased tenfold, the economy has maintained steady GDP growth of approximately 10–11 percent annually, and a large-scale construction boom is transforming cities and villages, creating modern infrastructure and improving the quality of life for citizens.
A clear demonstration of Kyrgyzstan’s growing international standing was its decisive victory in the elections for non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 terms. This historic achievement, secured on 3 June 2026, reflects the consistent, peaceful, and constructive foreign policy of our country, as well as the international community’s recognition of Kyrgyzstan’s contribution to global security and sustainable development.
During its chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Kyrgyz Republic put forward several important initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, security, and sustainable development. The culmination of this chairmanship will be the anniversary SCO Summit, to be held on 31 August 2026 in Bishkek — on the day of the 35th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s Independence. The event will bring together leaders of member states and guests from around the world.
In 2025–2026, particular attention has been given to the active expansion of the Kyrgyz Republic’s diplomatic presence worldwide. In 2025 alone, diplomatic relations were established with 13 countries, bringing the total number of partner states to 185. The first Kyrgyz embassy on the African continent was opened in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and numerous high-level visits and meetings have been successfully conducted.
Kyrgyz diplomats across all regions demonstrate high professionalism, initiative, deep expertise, and dedication. Their work spans the full range of diplomatic activity — from strengthening political dialogue and economic cooperation to promoting cultural ties, educational and humanitarian projects, and reliable consular protection of citizens. Through their efforts, multilateral initiatives are successfully implemented, the geography of partnerships is expanding, and Kyrgyzstan’s positive image on the international stage is being strengthened.
Kyrgyzstan also looks forward to welcoming guests from around the world to the World Nomad Games, which will take place in September 2026. This major cultural and sporting event will showcase the unique heritage of nomadic peoples and traditions of hospitality, while contributing to the development of tourism and intercultural dialogue.
A special place in the foreign policy priorities of the Kyrgyz Republic is occupied by relations with India. For more than three decades, our countries have maintained stable, friendly, and mutually beneficial relations based on mutual respect, friendship, and shared values. India was among the first states to recognize Kyrgyzstan’s independence and has remained a reliable partner ever since.
Today, Kyrgyz-Indian cooperation is successfully developing in the spirit of a strategic partnership. Ties are actively expanding in the political, trade and economic, scientific and technical, educational, and cultural spheres. Joint projects in healthcare and higher education are being implemented, and a Cooperation Programme between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2025–2027 has been signed. Indian technical assistance programmes make a significant contribution to human capital development in Kyrgyzstan, and thousands of Indian students receive quality education at our universities. We highly value India’s support and intend to further deepen comprehensive partnership for the benefit of our peoples.
This special issue of Envoy Excellency will make an important contribution to highlighting Kyrgyzstan’s achievements and its place in the modern world. I am confident that the materials in this issue will help Indian readers and the diplomatic community better understand our dynamically developing country, rich in history and full of promise.
I wish the editorial team creative success and new interesting projects, and I wish our readers enjoyable and informative reading.
Respectfully,
His Excellency Mr. Zheenbek Kulubaev,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyz Republic