Between Two Fires

After the Turkish Air Force shot down the Russian bomber Su-24, which was participating in the anti-terrorist operation in Syria, relations between Russia and Turkey sharply deteriorated. In response to Turkey's refusal to acknowledge its guilt and apologize, the Russian government imposed economic sanctions against Turkey. As a result, the partner countries of Russia in the Eurasian Economic Union, including Kyrgyzstan, found themselves in a rather awkward position. On one hand, it would be more logical to support Russia's position; on the other hand, damaging long-established economic ties with Turkey is also not desirable.

According to the chairman of the Association of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jyrgalbek Sagynbaev, the economy should not depend on politics.
- Turkish business in Kyrgyzstan is operating very actively, and I don't think the situation will change, - he told IA. - Of course, to some extent, Russian sanctions will affect its development. The restrictions will concern those companies that are registered as participants in the free economic zone and produce goods for the needs of the Russian Federation. Kyrgyzstan has a small market, which does not represent much interest for Turkey, so some Turkish companies working in Kyrgyzstan are oriented towards the Russian consumer and see the realization of their end product in Russia. For such goods, the Russian market will be closed. However, there should be no problems with the Turkish businesses that currently have interests in Kyrgyzstan, are registered as entities of the Kyrgyz Republic, and pay taxes specifically to the Kyrgyz budget.

It should be noted that Russian sanctions against Turkey apply not only to a number of Turkish goods but also to charter air transportation between the two countries, the hiring of Turkish citizens, and the activities of organizations under Turkish jurisdiction. Last week, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev instructed the government to discuss with partners in the EAEU issues related to the cessation or restriction of road transportation from Turkey to Russia and through its territory. According to the Prime Minister, this will allow to "avoid both problems and manipulations" similar to those that occurred in connection with the ban imposed on supplies from EU countries.