News about Kyrgyzstan, tourism, attractions, Kyrgyz cuisine, history, traditions, and customs
Russia has canceled visas for Chinese citizens
In the world / Exclusive

Russia has canceled visas for Chinese citizens

President of Russia Vladimir Putin signed a decree that cancels visas for citizens of China until September 14, 2026, as reported by RIA Novosti. According to this decree, based on the principle of reciprocity, Chinese citizens will be able to visit Russia without a visa for up to 30 days. This rule will apply to those arriving for tourism, business purposes, or to participate in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic, and sporting events. There is also a provision for transit through

01.12.2025, 14:41
Voting results in district No. 18: Karim Khandzheza leads
Exclusive

Voting results in district No. 18: Karim Khandzheza leads

According to the data from the automated vote counting systems (AVCS) of the Central Election Commission, Karim Khandzheza holds the leading position in district No. 18, having received 7,617 votes. Among the female candidates, Gulzhan Satieva is in first place.

01.12.2025, 14:35
Kyrgyzstan and India Confirmed Readiness for Comprehensive Development of Friendly Relations
Exclusive

Kyrgyzstan and India Confirmed Readiness for Comprehensive Development of Friendly Relations

Today, a meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Jeenbek Kulubaev, and the Ambassador of India to the country, Birender Singh Yadav. According to information provided by the ministry, the discussion covered a wide range of issues related to Kyrgyz-Indian cooperation, with an emphasis on the positive dynamics in the development of strategic partnership.

01.12.2025, 14:30
Belgian soldier killed during NATO exercises in Lithuania
In the world / Exclusive

Belgian soldier killed during NATO exercises in Lithuania

As a result of NATO mortar exercises held in Lithuania on November 29, a Belgian serviceman sustained serious injuries and soon died in a medical facility, as reported by the Kazinform publication. Belgium's Minister of Defense Theo Francken and Chief of Staff Frederic Vancina confirmed this information to European media. Following the incident, the Belgian federal prosecutor's office has launched an investigation.

01.12.2025, 14:26
In Osh, an attempt to illegally import gold items was thwarted
Incidents / Exclusive

In Osh, an attempt to illegally import gold items was thwarted

In Osh, employees of the State Tax Service prevented an attempt to illegally import jewelry. According to a press release from the STS, during a baggage check of one of the passengers at the local airport, gold items were found, including bracelets, chains, and earrings, with a total value exceeding 13.9 million soms. These items were imported from EAEU member countries and lacked the necessary documents for legal importation.

01.12.2025, 14:23
Results of the voting in district No. 11: Tashiev leads
Exclusive

Results of the voting in district No. 11: Tashiev leads

According to the data from the automated vote counting systems provided by the Central Election Commission, Shairbek Tashiev became the leader in district No. 11, receiving 22,387 votes. Among the female candidates, the first place is held by Venera Salyamova.

01.12.2025, 14:22
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Transformed into a Limousine Over 6 Meters Long and Sold for Less Than New
Exclusive

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Transformed into a Limousine Over 6 Meters Long and Sold for Less Than New

The interior space of the limousine has been completely redesigned and resembles the luxurious cabin of a Rolls-Royce. Passengers are greeted with comfortable captain's chairs with footrests, a large sofa, leather and wood trim, as well as a soft carpet and a ceiling with a "starry sky" effect. A partition with a large screen is installed between the front seat and the rear area, creating an atmosphere of a mobile cinema. Electric curtains on the windows provide complete

01.12.2025, 14:16
Exclusive

Election Results: More than Half of the Deputies Will Return to the Jogorku Kenesh

On November 30, early elections for deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh of the VIII convocation took place in Kyrgyzstan. The list of candidates who received the most votes, and who are likely to enter parliament, is already known. Kaktus.media analyzed the list of new deputies. The results show that the typical deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh differs from the candidates and from the previous elections in 2021. However, the renewal of the parliamentary composition can be considered minimal.

01.12.2025, 14:16
Exclusive

Which deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh of the 7th convocation do not make it to the 8th convocation? Preliminary data

In Kyrgyzstan, voting for the elections of the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh ended on November 30 at 20:00. According to the latest data from the Central Election Commission, 1 million 584 thousand 446 voters out of 4 million 294 thousand 243 cast their votes in the early elections for the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, which constitutes 36.90%. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported that voting among citizens outside the country ended on December 1 at 10:00.

01.12.2025, 14:14
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

In the city of Gwangju, the play "Semetey" was presented. Photo

On November 28, the premiere of the play "Semetey" took place at the National Center for Asian Culture, located in the Korean city of Gwangju. This bilingual performance, presented in Korean and Kyrgyz, was prepared by a creative team that brings together Korean and Kyrgyz artists and is executed in a modern format. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the performance was attended by high-ranking guests, including the First Deputy Minister of Culture,

01.12.2025, 14:07
Exclusive

International observers from TurkPA monitored the parliamentary elections in Bishkek, Osh, and Uzgen.

The mission of international observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TurkPA) conducted a short-term monitoring of the early parliamentary elections held on November 30 in Bishkek, Osh, and Uzgen. According to the press release from TurkPA, the observation group in Bishkek included: Abzal Kuspan — head of the mission and member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Javanshir Feyziyev — member of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, and Serik Shaidarov — member of the

01.12.2025, 14:01
Exclusive

Observation Mission of TurkPA: The Early Parliamentary Elections in Kyrgyzstan Were Held in a Competitive and Transparent Environment

The international election observation mission representing the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States published its statement following the monitoring of the early elections for deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan, which took place on November 30, 2025. In its statement, the mission noted that the observation was conducted at the invitation of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic. The delegation included deputies from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, as well as

01.12.2025, 14:00
The number of social benefit recipients in Kyrgyzstan has decreased by 0.2%
Local news / Exclusive

The number of social benefit recipients in Kyrgyzstan has decreased by 0.2%

According to the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration, as of November 1, 2023, 108.4 thousand people in Kyrgyzstan receive monthly social benefits. This is a decrease of 0.2% compared to the same period in 2022, when the number of recipients was 108.7 thousand. Social benefits are intended for citizens who are not entitled to pension provision and are unable to work. This includes children with disabilities under 18 years old, children who are orphaned, as well as persons with

01.12.2025, 13:58
Exclusive

Elections to the ЖК. More than 26,000 citizens of Kyrgyzstan voted abroad

Voting abroad as part of the early elections for deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh concluded on December 1 at 10:00 Bishkek time, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. In the last instance, six polling stations located in the USA closed — in cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, New York, and San Francisco.

01.12.2025, 13:55
Five Ventilators for Newborns Transferred to Batken Region
Health / Exclusive

Five Ventilators for Newborns Transferred to Batken Region

On December 1, a ceremony was held in Bishkek to hand over five SV300 (Mindray, with Neo function) ventilators. These devices were purchased as part of the "Strengthening the Health System of Kyrgyzstan" project with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to information from the Ministry of Health, the total cost of the equipment exceeded $65,000. The ventilators are intended for neonatal departments in Batken and Batken region, where they will be

01.12.2025, 13:27
The new electoral system ensured a gender quota - expert opinion
Exclusive

The new electoral system ensured a gender quota - expert opinion

According to expert Ainura Usupbekova, the new electoral system provides real opportunities for achieving gender balance. She expressed her opinion on the air of Birinchi Radio. Usupbekova noted that previously in Kyrgyzstan, none of the state bodies, including the Jogorku Kenesh, adhered to the norm of a 30% gender quota.

01.12.2025, 13:27
Exclusive

9000 calls processed at the call center of the State Institution "Kyzmat" during the election period and voting

During the extraordinary elections for the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, the State Institution "Kyzmat" acted as the technical operator for the Central Election Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic. During the preparation, new technologies and identification systems were tested, and a remote voting mechanism was implemented, allowing citizens to participate in the process without the need to submit paper applications or make personal visits. Additionally, voting using a digital

01.12.2025, 13:23
In Korea, the play "Semetey" was staged in a modern interpretation
Exclusive

In Korea, the play "Semetey" was staged in a modern interpretation

On November 28, a performance of the play "Semetey" was held at the Korean National Center for Asian Culture, which was presented in a bilingual format by a Korean-Kyrgyz creative team in a modern style. According to the Ministry of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic, the event was attended by the First Deputy Minister Soyuzbek Nadyrbekov, representatives of the creative intelligentsia of Gwangju, and theater enthusiasts.

01.12.2025, 13:19
Incidents / Exclusive

Former police officer arrested again for drunk driving. He is a suspect in the traffic accident where Saniya Shakirova died.

Chyngyz Kondubaev, who was previously involved in the case of the death of Saniya Shakirova, has once again come under the spotlight of law enforcement — he was detained for driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred in Bishkek, where he was taken to the October District Department of Internal Affairs. On November 30, near the intersection of Baytik Baatyr and Suerkulov streets, officers from the Patrol Police Service stopped a "Toyota Avalon,"

01.12.2025, 13:16
In the At-Bashy District, a poacher has been detained for shooting two mountain goats.
Local news / Exclusive

In the At-Bashy District, a poacher has been detained for shooting two mountain goats.

On November 29, illegal hunting was recorded in the Naryn region, specifically in the At-Bashy district. This was reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. According to the information from the agency, during a raid on the Bosogo pasture in this area, a case of poaching was discovered, in which a resident of the village of At-Bashy illegally shot two mountain goats.

01.12.2025, 13:13
Exclusive

Kyrgyzstan plans to reduce GDP energy intensity by 20% and increase the share of electric vehicles to 5% by 2029

- Kyrgyzstan sets ambitious goals for the period until 2029: a 20% reduction in energy intensity of GDP and a 25% increase in agricultural productivity. This was stated by Amantur Tolebekov, the chief specialist of the international financing department for green economy and tourism at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in an interview with a local publication. Tolebekov noted that the program for the development of the "green economy" covers several key sectors, including energy,

01.12.2025, 13:12
Results of the voting in the 1st district: Chyngyz Ajibaev leads
Exclusive

Results of the voting in the 1st district: Chyngyz Ajibaev leads

According to information provided by the Central Election Commission and based on data from automated ballot reading devices (ASU), Chyngyz Ajibaev is in first place in the voting for the 1st district, having collected 9,222 votes, which constitutes 18.71% of the total votes. Voting results by candidates (1st district)

01.12.2025, 13:11
Results of the voting in district No. 8: Janarbek Akaev is in the lead
Exclusive

Results of the voting in district No. 8: Janarbek Akaev is in the lead

According to information provided by the Central Election Commission, the automated vote counting systems (AVCS) showed that Janarbek Akayev became the leader in constituency No. 8, receiving 11,266 votes. Among the female candidates, the highest number of votes was received by Zhyldyzkan Joldoshova.

01.12.2025, 13:06
Results of the voting in district No. 10: former attorney general leads
Exclusive

Results of the voting in district No. 10: former attorney general leads

According to preliminary data from the automated vote counting system (AVCS) of the Central Election Commission, Kurmankul Zulushiev has become the leader of the elections in district No. 10, receiving 12,901 votes. Among the female candidates, Gulnara Baatyrova is in first place. Here are the voting results for the candidates in this district: Nurkyz Kadyrbek kyzy - 2,165 (4.19 %) Talantbek Esenbay uulu - 2,322 (4.49 %) Gulbu Chalovna Shaltakova - 686 (1.33 %) Ulugbek Zulpukarovich Ormonov -

01.12.2025, 13:00
A Rubens painting, considered lost for 400 years, sold for nearly 3 million euros
In the world / Exclusive

A Rubens painting, considered lost for 400 years, sold for nearly 3 million euros

At the Osenat auction held in Versailles, near Paris, a painting by the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens titled "Christ on the Cross" was successfully sold. This work had been considered lost for over 400 years and was purchased for the sum of 2.9 million euros, as reported by RIA Novosti, citing the newspaper Parisien. The publication notes that on Sunday, "Christ on the Cross" was sold in a packed hall of the Osenat auction house for 2,940,798 euros, including commission

01.12.2025, 12:59
The CEC spoke about voter turnout, fines, and candidate registration
Exclusive

The CEC spoke about voter turnout, fines, and candidate registration

The early parliamentary elections are scheduled for November 30, and at the moment, 589 candidates have been nominated. As reported by Central Election Commission member Abdyjapar Bekmatov in an interview with the "Kabar" agency, after document verification, the CEC registered 467 of them. However, later the registration of seven candidates was annulled at their own requests and by decisions of the CEC. Bekmatov noted that the highest number of registered candidates was observed in

01.12.2025, 12:58
Results of the voting in district No. 4: Sovetbek Rustambek uulu is in the lead
Exclusive

Results of the voting in district No. 4: Sovetbek Rustambek uulu is in the lead

According to the data from automated accounting systems (ASU) provided by the Central Election Commission, in district No. 4, the leader is Sovetbek Rustambek uulu, who received 11,130 votes. The results of other candidates in the second and third places were significantly lower, although the competition for these positions was quite intense.

01.12.2025, 12:54
A new data center for digital systems in the agricultural sector has launched in Kyrgyzstan
Local news / Exclusive

A new data center for digital systems in the agricultural sector has launched in Kyrgyzstan

A new Data Center has opened in Kyrgyzstan, aimed at supporting digital information systems in the agricultural sector. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, this Center was established with the assistance of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as part of a project to enhance the safety of livestock products through the implementation of a comprehensive traceability system.

01.12.2025, 12:48
Exclusive

In Bishkek, the main areas of necessary investments in irrigation in Kyrgyzstan were discussed.

- On November 28, a round table titled "Future Investments in the Irrigation Sector of Kyrgyzstan" was held in Bishkek. The event discussed key aspects of investments and reforms related to the water sector. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan. During the discussions, participants addressed the current state of the country's water resources, as well as the prospects for irrigation development and the need to formulate an investment

01.12.2025, 12:46
Exclusive

NBKR proposes to expand the powers of the "Financial Company of Credit Unions"

- The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic is proposing for discussion a draft of amendments to regulatory acts concerning the licensing and regulation of the activities of the JSC "Financial Company of Credit Unions" and credit unions. The purpose of this document is to expand the capabilities of the FCCU and revise the minimum requirements for the executive officers of credit unions, including the following key changes:

01.12.2025, 12:45
Exclusive

The Ministry of Economic Development Identified Barriers Holding Back the Development of New Materials and Technologies in Industry

- The importance of introducing new materials and technologies in various sectors, such as construction, light and processing industries, pharmaceuticals, and mining, has significantly increased in Kyrgyzstan. This is evidenced by the draft Strategy for the Development of the Country's Industry until 2030. The development of this strategy was carried out by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

01.12.2025, 12:42
Local news / Exclusive

In Batken, a memorial complex is being built in honor of the statesman Ishak Razzakov

In the Leilek district of the Batken region, the construction of a memorial complex (mausoleum) in honor of Ishak Razzakov has begun. According to the Suluktu city administration, the mausoleum is being built in the Koroson area, where Ishak Razzakov was born. It is there that the future leader came into the world, and a few years later, after becoming an orphan, he was sent to an orphanage in Leninabad.

01.12.2025, 12:38
Exclusive

In Osh Region, 73 materials have been registered for the elections, two cases are criminal

As of December 1, 2025, at 08:00, the Internal Affairs Department of the Osh region has recorded 73 materials related to the early elections of deputies to the Jogorku Kenesh. According to information from the press service of the regional police, criminal cases have been initiated on two of these materials. One of the cases has already been sent to court, while investigative actions are ongoing for the other case. Two materials are under consideration, one has been transferred to another

01.12.2025, 12:38
The Oxford Dictionary has named the Word of the Year 2025
In the world / Exclusive

The Oxford Dictionary has named the Word of the Year 2025

The Oxford English Dictionary has determined that the word of the year for 2025 will be "rage bait," which translates to "a bait for anger." This decision was published by Oxford University Press on its website. OUP noted that this word has become "an ideal reflection of the chaos of 2025." The definition of "rage bait" includes "online content created with the intention of provoking anger or outrage, using provocative or offensive elements, usually

01.12.2025, 12:29
Exclusive

"To Hold the Canal, Women Lay in Icy Water": The Story of Mikhail Bondarev, a Representative of One of the In-Demand Professions of Soviet Times

In Kara-Balta, Mikhail Ivanovich Bondarev celebrated his 80th birthday, a man who is a bright representative of one of the most popular professions during the Soviet era. With over 35 years of experience as a decorator, he gained recognition not only in his native Jaiyl district but also beyond its borders, receiving offers from various organizations that provided him with materials for construction, housing, and even a car.

01.12.2025, 12:28
Exclusive

In 24 hours, 9 fires were registered in five regions of Kyrgyzstan

Over the course of a day, 9 cases of fires were recorded in the Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Batken, Osh, and Talas regions. According to information from the fire and rescue service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, 23 units were involved in extinguishing the fires.

01.12.2025, 12:24
Kyrgyzstan and Russia to Expand Cooperation in Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture
Local news / Exclusive

Kyrgyzstan and Russia to Expand Cooperation in Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan announced its intention to deepen cooperation with Russia in the field of veterinary medicine and the agro-industrial complex. A recent meeting in Moscow between Adilet Sotvaldiyev, the director of the Veterinary Service for Animal Husbandry, Pastures, and Feed, and Sergey Dankvert, the head of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of Russia, laid the groundwork for discussing the prospects for joint work.

01.12.2025, 12:17
Exclusive

District No. 19: Aliyev, Egemberdiyev, Taigaraeva Lead (data as of 10:37)

The Central Commission for Elections and Referendums presented preliminary voting results using automated ballot reading machines for the elections of deputies to the Jogorku Kenesh on November 30. Let's consider the data for district No. 19, which includes the following territories: Gavrilovsky, Zhany-Pakhtinsky, Nizhne-Chuisky, Manas, Voenno-Antonovsky, as well as the Kuntuy rural districts of the Sokuluk region, and MTU-106 (up to the ATR village of Novopavlovka), Ak-Orgo, Ak-Ordo, and

01.12.2025, 12:14
Exclusive

Kubatbek Tashiev from Suzak: The bus from "Eurasia" gifted me a whole bus full of grandchildren

In 2022, the Eurasia Foundation donated 100 buses to schools in Kyrgyzstan. Three of these vehicles were sent to educational institutions in the Barpyin rural district, located in the Suzak region of the Jalal-Abad province. One of the buses is currently used at the Komsomol Secondary School. Kubatbek Tashiev, who turned 70, starts his workday at 6 a.m. He carefully washes and prepares his yellow bus for the route, after which he heads to the "Pump Station" area, located just 7

01.12.2025, 12:08