President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday received a Kyrgyz delegation led by Bakyt Torobaev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, as the two countries prepare for a meeting of their joint intergovernmental commission on economic and humanitarian cooperation.
Aliyev said the commission’s agenda was “substantial,” describing it as a reflection of the close coordination between Baku and Bishkek. He noted that bilateral ties have accelerated in recent years, driven by regular high-level exchanges.
The president also thanked Kyrgyzstan for its support of reconstruction efforts in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur – including the construction of the Aykol Manas Secondary School in the village of Khydyrly, Aghdam district, funded by Kyrgyzstan. He added that the symbolic gift of 200 yaks to the newly liberated territories demonstrated “the friendly nature” of relations.
Aliyev recalled with satisfaction the unveiling of a monument in Baku to renowned Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, the opening of the Kyrgyz–Azerbaijani Friendship Park in Bishkek, and the Heydar Aliyev School-Gymnasium Complex No. 20 in the Kyrgyz capital.
Turning to investment cooperation, the president highlighted a bilateral agreement on constructing a hotel on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. He also emphasized the growing portfolio of the Azerbaijan–Kyrgyzstan Joint Investment Fund, established by the two heads of state. The fund has begun financing its first projects, with several more under consideration. Azerbaijan, he said, has already allocated capital and stands ready to increase funding if project volume grows.
Aliyev noted that Kyrgyzstan was among the first countries to support Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the Central Asia cooperation format. He called this a testament to the “brotherly character” of bilateral ties. Baku’s full participation in the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders, he said, would help strengthen links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, ensuring smoother, more stable cargo flows in both directions and deepening people-to-people ties.
Torobaev conveyed President Sadyr Japarov’s greetings to Aliyev and praised the strategic partnership built on shared historical roots and centuries-old friendship. He underlined the importance of expanding direct flights between Baku and Bishkek and said Kyrgyzstan looks forward to President Aliyev’s future visit.
The meeting also covered cooperation prospects in energy, transport, investment, agriculture, education, and other sectors of mutual interest.
