Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Criticizes Subordinates Over Sanctions Relief Work

Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry convened a collegium meeting to assess its performance in the first half of 2026. Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev noted the "systemic nature" of work on key foreign policy fronts, emphasizing the election of Kyrgyzstan to the UN Security Council for 2027-2028 as a "landmark result" of long-term efforts.

“

The election of Kyrgyzstan to the UN Security Council for 2027-2028 is a landmark result of many years of the country's efforts.

Despite acknowledging progress, the ministry directed criticism at several heads of Kyrgyz foreign missions. They were faulted for inadequate work on lifting international sanctions and for shortcomings in economic diplomacy. The meeting also focused on the final preparations for the upcoming Bishkek Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), identified as the main foreign policy event for the latter half of the year.

Key priorities for the coming months include thorough preparation for Kyrgyzstan's role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, successfully hosting the SCO summit, and organizing the VI World Nomad Games. The ministry also aims to further develop bilateral and multilateral cooperation with international partners to benefit the country.

“

The sanctions against Kyrgyz banks are unfair actions.

This internal review follows recent actions related to sanctions, including the Ministry of Justice's order to cease operations of 50 legal entities involved in high-sanction risk transactions. Earlier, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev characterized sanctions against Kyrgyz banks as "unjust actions," denying that Kyrgyzstan aids Russia in circumventing restrictions. President Sadyr Japarov has previously criticized Western sanctions at the UN, calling them unjustified interference and a hindrance to the nation's developing economy.

“

Unjustified sanctions are interference in the country's internal affairs and pressure that hinders the development of an economy that is still forming.