Bishkek: Turkish investments in Kyrgyzstan have surpassed $1.4 billion, as stated by Trkiye's ambassador to Bishkek, Mustafa Kemal Okem. The ambassador emphasized the deepening cooperation between the two nations, referring to it as a 'special and honorable duty.'
According to Anadolu Agency, approximately 350 Turkish companies are currently operating in Kyrgyzstan across diverse sectors such as mining, tourism, energy, construction, and transportation. During a breakfast meeting with journalists in the Kyrgyz capital, Ambassador Okem highlighted the significant projects recently undertaken by Turkish companies in energy and construction, expressing hope for increased Turkish participation in future Kyrgyz projects. Turkish investments are noted to cover all regions of the Central Asian country.
Okem mentioned that a new bilateral trade target, set at the presidential level, aims for $5 billion. The trade volume between Trkiye and Kyrgyzstan grew by about 5% in 2024 from the previous year, reaching $1.546 billion. As of July 2025, the trade volume stood at approximately $829 million.
The ambassador also highlighted the efforts of Trkiye's Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), which has completed more than 1,000 projects in Kyrgyzstan with a total budget of $88 million. He emphasized that these projects are initiated at the request of Kyrgyzstan and underscored the importance of collaborating with local institutions throughout the process.
Further, Okem acknowledged the role of the Kyrgyzstan-Trkiye Manas University, established in 1995, which offers free education to Kyrgyz students. The university recently opened a medical faculty in 2025, admitting its first 37 students. Okem noted the faculty's potential contribution to Kyrgyzstan's healthcare system and mentioned the university's use of its MANAS TV channel to continue student education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the ambassador announced the introduction of a new 'Kyrgyz Stars Scholarship' aimed at supporting top Kyrgyz students to pursue studies in Trkiye, reinforcing education as a fundamental aspect of bilateral relations.