U.S.-KYRGYZSTAN RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Kyrgyzstan in 1991 following the nation’s independence from the Soviet Union. The United States supports Kyrgyzstan in its development of an inclusive democracy based upon the rule of law and respect for human rights. Kyrgyzstan’s 2017 presidential election marked the first peaceful transfer of presidential power from one democratically-elected president to another in post-Soviet Central Asia. Significant impediments to Kyrgyzstan’s development include corruption, aging infrastructure, high unemployment that fuels labor migration and dependence on remittances, and endemic poverty. Kyrgyzstan, however, benefits from a robust civil society and a relatively free media sector.
U.S. Assistance to Kyrgyzstan
U.S. Government assistance goals in the Kyrgyz Republic are to strengthen democratic institutions, support broad-based economic opportunity, enhance regional security, promote greater respect for human rights and the rule of law, and address development challenges in health and education. A fact sheet on U.S. assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic can be found on the USAID website .
Bilateral Economic Relations
Kyrgyzstan exports apparel, textiles, and pharmaceutical products to the United States. It imports merchandise, machinery, electronics, and food products from the United States. Kyrgyzstan has signed a bilateral investment treaty with the United States. The treaty on double taxation that was signed by the United States and the Soviet Union remains in effect between the United States and Kyrgyzstan. The nation also signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the United States and other Central Asian countries establishing a regional forum for addressing trade issues and enhancing trade and investment between the United States and Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan’s Membership in International Organizations
Kyrgyzstan and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Kyrgyzstan also is a participant in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Partnership for Peace program.
Bilateral Representation
Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.
Kyrgyzstan maintains an embassy in the United States at 2360 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel. (202) 449-9822.
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