Turkey Pours Billions into Kyrgyzstan’s Energy Sector

A high-level visit by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz to Bishkek is solidifying Ankara’s multi-billion dollar commitment to Kyrgyzstan’s energy infrastructure, a move aimed at cementing the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit, which includes meetings with President Sadyr Japarov and top cabinet officials, underscores a shared ambition to transform political dialogue into large-scale, tangible projects.

At the heart of the expanding cooperation are several massive energy initiatives designed to tackle Kyrgyzstan’s persistent power shortages. Turkey is expected to confirm its involvement in the Kazarman hydropower plant (HPP) cascade, a national priority project with a projected capacity of over 1,100 MW and a price tag of $3 billion. Another major project on the table is the Kokomeren HPP cascade, valued at an estimated $3.2 billion. These investments are critical for Kyrgyzstan, which, despite its significant hydro potential, has been forced to import electricity from its neighbors in recent years.

These energy deals are part of a broader push to deepen economic ties, which were elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” during a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan last year. At that time, both leaders set an ambitious goal to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion annually. However, recent statistics show that this target remains distant, with trade volume actually decreasing by 1.6% to $281.6 million in the first seven months of the year, driven by a sharp 25.9% drop in Kyrgyz exports to Turkey.

Despite the current trade imbalance, both governments are forging ahead with mechanisms to boost economic activity, including plans for a joint Kyrgyz-Turkish Development Fund. Beyond hydropower, Turkish investment is also flowing into other key sectors. A Turkish company is finalizing the construction of a new oil refinery in southern Kyrgyzstan, which is expected to significantly bolster the country’s domestic fuel supply and reduce its reliance on imports.

The partnership offers significant geopolitical benefits for both sides. For Kyrgyzstan, closer ties with Turkey provide a crucial opportunity to diversify its foreign and economic policy, creating a counterbalance to its traditional reliance on Russia and China. For Turkey, strengthening its foothold in Kyrgyzstan is a key component of its “Turkic World Vision 2040” strategy, which aims to enhance its influence and establish vital transport and trade corridors across Central Asia.

The discussions are taking place as Bishkek also hosts a meeting of the heads of government from the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This wider forum, attended by prime ministers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, aims to further integrate the region’s economies across trade, transport, and energy, with Turkey playing a pivotal role in driving the agenda forward.