Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Kyrgyzstan Valery Zhovtenko gave an interview to Radio Azattyk and, in particular, told about the intensification of Kyrgyzstan-Ukraine relations and the lessons for Central Asian states from the tragedy happening in his country.

The diplomat commented on the recent meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubaev on the sidelines of the UN session in New York with his counterpart from Ukraine Andrii Sybiha.

«This meeting was held at the initiative of the Ukrainian side. The goal is to resume dialogues between Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan. We are optimistic about relations with the Kyrgyz Republic as a communicator between the greater East and the West. At this meeting, a large list of topical issues of our relations was discussed, starting from political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and meetings of the intergovernmental commission, that is, the whole range of issues that unite our interests. I think that this meeting became an impetus for us to intensify our bilateral relations,» Valery Zhovtenko said.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with journalists from Central Asian states and stated that the leaders were leaning more towards the Kremlin in foreign policy, despite their declared neutrality. The ambassador explained how this imbalance manifests itself.

According to him, the leader of Ukraine understands well the geopolitical situation in which Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, finds itself. The country is going through a dramatic period, forced to defend itself, making great sacrifices to preserve its independence, to preserve its territorial integrity and the right to live.

«This is a lesson for the Central Asian states that people must decide for themselves how to live,» commented Valery Zhovtenko.

He was asked whether the countries could act differently, since there is economic dependence on some issues?

«I want to say right away that we respect the sovereignty of the Kyrgyz Republic. We believe that Kyrgyzstan, as a sovereign republic, decides for itself how and with whom to build relations. But at the same time, the Central Asian states in the modern world must take into account all geopolitical factors, including the tragedy that is happening in Ukraine,» the diplomat noted.

According to him, before the COVID epidemic, trade turnover between the two countries was about $60 million. It had dropped to $36 million by the end of 2023. In the first half of 2024, it reached $20 million. Thirty percent of Ukrainian exports to the Kyrgyz Republic are pharmaceuticals.

Valery Zhovtenko also spoke about anti-Russian sanctions (some companies in Kyrgyzstan have been noted that tried to circumvent them). According to him, this is an internal matter of the country.

«I welcome the words of Minister Amangeldiev (Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic Daniyar Amangeldiev. — Note of news agency) that a Trading Company has been created, which will control the movement of goods through the territory of Kyrgyzstan. So that unscrupulous foreign companies do not use the jurisdiction of the Kyrgyz Republic,» he explained.