Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan Sign Joint Economic Commission Protocol

Türkiye's State Minister Besir Atalay and Kyrgyz Industry and Tourism Minister Medetbek Kerimkulov signed the fourth-term Joint Economic Commission (JEC) Protocol between their two countries on Saturday in Bishkek.

Following a two-day JEC session, Atalay announced that the two sides agreed to update a 2003 performance plan and to open talks on a partnership and cooperation agreement before year's end, with the goal of laying groundwork for a future free trade deal.

Atalay noted that Kyrgyzstan offered a stable environment for Turkish investors, while acknowledging that certain bilateral issues still required resolution. A joint working group will continue efforts to address those institutional concerns.

The two governments also agreed to promote investment across industrial sectors. A Turkish-Kyrgyz Business Council meeting is planned for Istanbul in September, to coincide with a scheduled visit to Türkiye by Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in August 2006, in its own words.