Bishkek, Oct. 5, 2025 / Kabar /. Türkiye’s total investments in Kyrgyzstan have exceeded $1.4 billion, Turkish Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Mekin Mustafa Kemal Okem told reporters on Saturday.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting with journalists from various media outlets in Bishkek, Ambassador Okem discussed the deep-rooted relations between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan. He recalled his first visit to the country in 1993, noting that the first-ever office of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) was opened in Kyrgyzstan.
“For me, it is a special and honorable duty to develop cooperation between my country and Kyrgyzstan for the sake of this beautiful nation and its kind people. My heart is half Kyrgyz, half Turkish,” Okem said.
He reminded that Türkiye was the first country to recognize Kyrgyzstan’s independence in 1991. “The Turkish Parliament recognized Kyrgyzstan’s independence within half an hour. Türkiye was also the first country to send an ambassador here — that’s why the license plate of our embassy starts with 01,” he noted.
Okem highlighted that Turkish companies have been active in Kyrgyzstan since the early 1990s in sectors such as mining, energy, construction, tourism, and transport. Currently, about 350 Turkish companies operate across the country, and Turkish investments are present “in all regions of Kyrgyzstan.”
“In recent years, Turkish companies have implemented major projects in the energy and construction sectors. We hope to see even more Turkish firms taking part in projects in Kyrgyzstan,” he added.
The ambassador said that the new trade target set by the presidents of the two countries is $5 billion. Bilateral trade volume reached $1.546 billion in 2024, up by 5 percent compared to the previous year, and stood at $829 million as of July 2025, he noted.
TİKA, according to Okem, has implemented over 1,000 projects worth $88 million in Kyrgyzstan, all designed in response to requests from the Kyrgyz side. “We always initiate our projects at the request of Kyrgyz authorities. Our only priority is Kyrgyz participation. Kyrgyzstan must take part and contribute — and this has always been the case,” he said, thanking the Kyrgyz government and institutions for their cooperation.
Among notable TİKA-supported projects, Okem mentioned the Kyrgyz-Turkish Friendship State Hospital named after Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Bishkek Innovation Center, and the Ozgen Fish Farm, all of which have a direct impact on the lives of Kyrgyz citizens.
“Our greatest pride is the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, established in 1995 in Bishkek,” Okem said. “I have met graduates of Manas University in every region of Kyrgyzstan I’ve visited. The university provides free education to Kyrgyz youth — that’s something very important and meaningful.”
He also announced the opening of a Faculty of Medicine at Manas University this year, which enrolled its first 37 students. “This faculty will grow over time and will be a valuable gift to Kyrgyzstan’s healthcare system,” he added.
Okem expressed pride in MANAS TV, the university’s television channel, which enabled Kyrgyz students to continue their studies during the pandemic.
Highlighting the importance of education, the ambassador announced a new scholarship program called “Stars of Kyrgyzstan” for outstanding students. Eleven students who ranked among the top 50 in this year’s national high school exams will study in Türkiye under this initiative.
In conclusion, Ambassador Okem also briefed journalists on the activities of the Maarif Foundation, covering areas such as education, healthcare, culture, and media cooperation. He responded to questions regarding medical treatment of Kyrgyz citizens in Türkiye, joint media projects, promotion of gastronomy, training for journalists, cooperation with TRT, tourism programs, and the creation of a technology park.