Kyrgyzstan and China agree to speed up fuel supplies

Kyrgyzstan and China have agreed to simplify and accelerate the supply of fuel and lubricants from China to Kyrgyzstan. The agreement was reached during a meeting in Urumqi between Erlist Akunbekov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, and Chen Xiaojiang, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Akunbekov stated that the primary goal of his working visit to China was to establish direct connections between Kyrgyz and Chinese companies in the petroleum products sector and to speed up fuel deliveries to Kyrgyzstan. He noted that Kyrgyz businesses have already begun collaborating with Chinese firms, with several companies signing contracts for aviation fuel and diesel. The initial shipments have reportedly arrived in Kyrgyzstan.

The discussions also encompassed potential joint projects. These include exploring and developing oil and gas fields within Kyrgyzstan, constructing oil refineries, and establishing infrastructure for cargo storage and transit at border crossings. Chen Xiaojiang expressed China's readiness to support mutually beneficial projects and enhance trade with Kyrgyzstan through the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Following the meeting, both sides committed to accelerating fuel and lubricant supplies, considering the global oil market conditions and the necessity of ensuring stable petroleum product availability in Kyrgyzstan. The countries also plan to prepare and sign relevant bilateral documents during the upcoming Summit of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan, as well as during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the country.