Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev took part in the Central Asia — UK meeting in London. The event was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
Participants discussed ways to further strengthen dialogue in a new regional format in areas such as trade, economic, transport, and investment cooperation, as well as collaboration in addressing contemporary challenges and threats. They agreed that the C5+UK format will become an important platform for building a systemic dialogue and developing practical measures to strengthen partnership.
Jeenbek Kulubaev emphasized that Central Asia is a key geopolitical region today, strategically located between Asia and Europe, with abundant energy resources, significant human potential, and extensive transit opportunities. It was noted that the peaceful resolution of border issues between the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan not only serves as an example of constructive dialogue and effective cooperation in Central Asia, but also opens up new prospects for the development of trade, economic, and investment relations between the region and countries around the world, including the United Kingdom.
The importance of expanding bilateral and regional cooperation with the United Kingdom in the areas of trade, finance, energy, transport, climate, and education was also noted. Hope was expressed that the success of the C5+UK format would be measured by specific projects, investments, educational programs, and sustainable cooperation mechanisms.
Regarding the issue of UK sanctions, the Kyrgyz Foreign Minister expressed concern about the possible negative impact of unilateral restrictive measures on trade, economic, and financial cooperation between Central Asian states and the United Kingdom. He emphasized that the Kyrgyz side, while opposing the politicization of international economic and commercial relations, is ready for an open and constructive dialogue to achieve mutually acceptable and constructive solutions.
Sanctions pressure timeline
Due to suspicions of circumventing restrictions against Russia, companies from other countries, including Kyrgyzstan, began to be subject to EU and US sanctions.
- In November 2025, Capital Bank of Central Asia and the A7 cross-border payments platform were placed under Canadian sanctions.
- In October 2025, the European Union added two Kyrgyz banks — Tolubay and Eurasian Savings Bank — to such lists.
- In August 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s Capital Bank and the cryptocurrency exchanges Grinex (previously added to the U.S. list) and Meer were placed under UK restrictions.
- In February 2025, Keremet Bank, previously included on the U.S. list, was placed under UK sanctions.
- The first sanctions against several private companies from Kyrgyzstan were imposed in June 2024 by the U.S. and the UK.
Kyrgyzstan has repeatedly stated that the sanctions against the banks are unfounded. In 2025, President Sadyr Japarov criticized the West for sanctions against the republic from the UN podium. He described the unjustified sanctions as interference in the country’s internal affairs and pressure hindering the development of a still-emerging economy.
