Kyrgyz President Touts Climate Cooperation, Regional Connectivity in Azerbaijan’s Khankendi

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov has put forward a series of forward-looking initiatives aimed at boosting regional economic integration and strengthening environmental resilience during the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), hosted in Khankendi, Azerbaijan.

Under the summit’s central theme - “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future” - Japarov emphasized the need to simplify cross-border procedures, standardize tariff policies, advance logistics digitalization, and create more favorable conditions for landlocked nations, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

Reaffirming Kyrgyzstan’s strong commitment to the ECO’s mission, the president highlighted the critical link between economic development and climate change, urging member states to act collectively.

“Kyrgyzstan is ready to actively engage in regional and global efforts to combat climate change, strengthen food and energy security, and preserve mountain ecosystems,” Japarov stated.

He advocated for joint action on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the adoption of smart technologies in agriculture and industry. Japarov also spotlighted Kyrgyz-led efforts, including the promotion of a Climate, Mountains, and Glaciers Declaration and the launch of a new platform, “Mountain Youth and Climate,” designed to empower younger generations in climate adaptation efforts.

As part of the country’s Mountain Region Development Action Plan (2023-2027), Kyrgyzstan is preparing to host the second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek+25,” marking a milestone in international mountain policy dialogue.

The Kyrgyz president also presented the country’s National Development Program through 2030, which outlines key priorities such as industrial growth, agricultural modernization, tourism development, green energy transition, and turning Kyrgyzstan into a regional economic hub. Several strategic and cost-effective projects are already underway to advance these goals.

The summit brought together leaders from Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, underlining the shared vision of economic collaboration and sustainable development across the ECO region.