Kyrgyzstan is continuing negotiations with China on a visa-free regime but says it will not be the first to introduce it for Chinese citizens.

Speaking at a session of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament), Kyrgyz First Deputy Foreign Minister Almaz Imangaziev said Bishkek supports the idea of visa-free travel but insists the move should happen simultaneously and on a reciprocal basis, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

The countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia have already established bilateral visa-free regimes with China.

However, Chinese negotiators have suggested that Kyrgyzstan should introduce the policy first - a proposal Bishkek is not ready to accept. Officials say talks are ongoing, with Kyrgyzstan pushing for a mutual visa-free agreement to be implemented by both sides at the same time.