On January 29, 2025, the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at the American Foreign Policy Council and the Times of Central Asia hosted a webinar "New Initiatives from Kyrgyzstan" on the evolving bilateral relationship between the United States and Kyrgyzstan. Dr. S. Frederick Starr, Chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at the American Foreign Policy Council, led a panel of experts. The discussion focused on economic cooperation, security, cultural and educational exchanges, and both countries' commitment to democratic values. Together, they explored Kyrgyzstan's diplomatic milestones, economic collaborations, and its rising profile in Central Asia. The discussion emphasized the strengthening ties between the two countries and their joint efforts to promote growth and stability in Central Asia. A recording of the full webinar is available on YouTube.

Kyrgyzstan is the second least populated country in Central Asia and has played a significant role in the region since gaining independence. It pioneered a bold parliamentary system of government and has worked diligently to make this system effective.

In the discussion, it was noted that the current president of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, is very active on all fronts. While he has transformed the country's governance to a presidential system, democratic processes continue with regular elections and pre-election campaigns.

As noted by Dr. Starr, President Zhaparov has successfully addressed important resource-related issues in the country. He fulfilled his promise to return the Kumtor mine to Kyrgyz ownership. He has also taken significant initiatives regarding water resources, overseeing various dams and power plants that are either operational or in development.

"A great credit to President Zhaparov is his efforts to fight corruption," states Dr. Starr.

Transportation is another key area of Zhaparov's work. He has actively advanced the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. Under his leadership, Kyrgyzstan has accelerated bilateral negotiations and pushed forward the project's implementation - a significant step that previous administrations had not achieved. Dr. Starr also highlighted Zhaparov's success in bridging the historical divide between the country's northern and southern regions through new transportation infrastructure. His presidency has seen the opening of airports in both regions, along with new road networks that have better integrated the country than ever before. The President has made significant progress in reducing the traditional north-south rivalry and confrontation that has historically hindered Kyrgyzstan's development. These improvements have created new opportunities for development in the south, particularly in the Ferghana Valley region.

Watch the video of the event below.