Third, relations between Iran and Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is the most distant Central Asian state from Iran geographically, culturally, economically and politically. In addition, the strategic location of the Kyrgyz state is being concern of Iran and all regional and international actors. Like other states, he promotes its relations with Iran through institutions such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation, the Organization of the Islamic Congress and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Tehran provides priority to Kyrgyzstan due to its economic situation and political freedom. Bilateral relations have improved significantly, especially with the lifting of sanctions against Iran.
Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy priority is to attract foreign investors to the country. This article is precisely given under “New Understanding of Foreign Policy” in the framework of “National Strategy for Sustainable Development” in the Kyrgyz Republic for the period between 2013 and 2017. According to the strategy, the main success will be monitored in foreign policy. Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy is entirely devoted to the economic aspect. It seems that the Kyrgyz government is trying to develop cooperation with Tehran.
Kyrgyzstan seeks to cooperate and coordinate with states regardless of their ideology or identity in order to correct the economic situation. However, Kyrgyzstan’s policy creates problems for countries who pay attention to diverse ideologies and conflicting identities and interests. Similar crisis created for Iran in 1993.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif with a delegation of Iranian businessmen on the occasion of 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations in Kyrgyzstan on April 19 visited there. From then, Iranian businessmen and capitalists are expected to start business and investment activities in Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, the Bishkek Free Economic Zone and the Sarhas Free Economic Zone are considered an important opportunity to revive economic relations between the two countries. Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Chynbai Tursunbekov, who visited Tehran on April 30, 2017, said visas should be lifted jointly between the two countries in order to further develop bilateral relations. The visits between Iran and Kyrgyzstan are also a clear indication that both sides are committed to developing relations.
When it comes to political relations between Iran and Kyrgyzstan, economic relations between the two countries provide opportunities for political relations. Both sides regularly exchange views on terrorism and extremism in the region and have signed an agreement to work together against drug trafficking. Instability in Afghanistan makes the two countries cooperate against terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, the Iranian foreign minister said “The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the development, progress, security and stability of Kyrgyzstan as its own. We are not only partners in the region, but historical ties, religious and cultural interests bring us closer together. We see no limits in our relations with Kyrgyzstan. We are ready to strengthen bilateral relations at all levels.
