Iran and Russia Conducted Joint Naval Exercises

As part of the exercises, Iranian and Russian sailors focused on improving coordination of actions and exchanging military experience. Rear Admiral of the Iranian Navy Hassan Maghsoudlu noted that the maneuvers are aimed at strengthening security and developing sustainable cooperation in the maritime sphere between the two countries. Additionally, before the start of the joint exercises, Iran conducted separate maneuvers during which five missiles were successfully launched towards the Strait

The U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Uzbek Companies Assisting Illegal Immigrants

The U.S. Department of State has announced the introduction of visa restrictions for citizens of Uzbekistan who have been found to assist in illegal immigration, as reported by RIA Novosti. The investigation revealed that these individuals organized the transportation of foreigners, including minors, who attempted to illegally enter the United States through airports and transit points in Central America.

Exchange Rates in Commercial Banks on February 20: Euro Continues to Decline

The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has set the foreign exchange rates for February 20 as follows: The euro continues its decline, while the ruble shows strengthening. The dollar rate remains unchanged.

Uzbekistan Begins Selection of Its First National Cosmonaut

In Uzbekistan, a nationwide competition has started to select a candidate for participation in a space flight. According to local media, the agency "Uzbekcosmos" has already analyzed international experience in astronaut training and conducting scientific research on the International Space Station (ISS). Following a meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a decision was made to create a special state commission that will handle the selection of candidates and the organization of

Former Vice Mayor of Osh Nurlan Zakirov Appointed to a New Position

Nurlan Zakirov has been appointed as the head of the social development department in the city administration of Osh. According to a statement from the municipality, the order was signed by Mayor Janarbek Akaev.

<b>PR:</b> The "AKIpress Heritage" Tie Series in National Style for February 23rd. Photos

We are pleased to present a new collection of ties made in a national style, where traditional Kyrgyz ornamentation harmoniously fits into modern business aesthetics. These accessories will make an ideal gift for February 23, creating a first impression even before the conversation begins. A successful image of a man is formed not only by his suit but also by the details that set the overall tone. The tie serves as a central element, which can be used to judge the status, character, and taste

Shipulin refused to give up his Olympic medal from Sochi 2014

Shipulin emphasized that he did not send his medal to the International Olympic Committee. "No. I fought for it. It's my medal, I will not give it up," he stated.

Human Rights Defender Proposes New System for Protecting Victims of Violence – Appeal to Authorities

Nazgul Turdubekova, director of the public fund "League of Child Rights Defenders," addressed President Sadyr Japarov, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev, and Deputy Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Zhyldyz Taalaybek kyzy through her Facebook page. In her appeal, she proposed measures to improve state policy in combating domestic violence. According to her, despite the efforts being made, the issue of domestic violence remains relevant and shows no signs of

In 2025, 41 libraries were closed, - Deputy Minister of Culture

At the end of 2025, the Ministry of Culture made the decision to close 41 libraries, which became part of the program for reforming rural libraries. This was reported on February 19 at a meeting of the department's board by Soyuzbek Nadyrbekov, the First Deputy Minister. According to Nadyrbekov, the closure of libraries became necessary due to their inefficiency, unsatisfactory condition of the buildings, and the fact that many of them were no longer operational. As a result, the total

Premier League: "Muras United" Will Miss Two Rounds of the New Season

The football club "Muras United," representing the city of Manas, will not be able to participate in the first two rounds of the new season of the Kyrgyzstan championship. The start of the Higher League is scheduled for March 1, with 16 teams participating in the tournament.

Hollywood-Asia: Berlinale 2026: the most political festival or its cautious version?

The Berlin Film Festival has been considered one of the most politically oriented in the world for decades. However, the 76th festival demonstrated a more complex and contradictory situation. The statement by jury chairman Wim Wenders that filmmakers should avoid politics sparked active discussions at the Berlinale.

Erlan Sherov's Gold in Slovenia Became Historic for Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstani Erlan Sherov won a gold medal at one of the stages of the European Judo Cup, which took place on February 14-15 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Sherov competed in the weight category up to 90 kg, where 48 athletes participated in the competition. Given his achievements, the Kyrgyzstani received the top seed and began his journey from the Round of 16.

How the final stops of some buses in "New Bishkek" look. Let's take a look.

Bus No. 71 connects Bishkek with the village of Sadovoe, which has recently become part of the capital. This route is very important for local residents; however, the conditions at the final stop leave much to be desired. Last week, the bus got stuck in the mud and remained there for over two hours, as reported by local residents. The editorial team of Kaktus.media decided to check the final stop of bus No. 71, and it turned out to be a real challenge. We waited for the bus at the Alamudinsky

In 2025, more than 1.2 million people visited museums in Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, there are 68 museums employing 1,291 staff members. In 2025, the museum sector restored 354 exhibits, added 2.2 thousand items, and over 25.2 thousand units underwent the digitization process. On February 19, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Soyuzbek Nadyrbekov reported at a meeting of his department's board that in 2025, the country's museums attracted more than 1.2 million visitors.

Theaters of Kyrgyzstan in 2025 were visited by more than 11 countries for tours, - Deputy Minister of Culture

According to the First Deputy Minister of Culture Soyuzbek Nadyrbekov, the year 2025 has become significant for the cultural life of Kyrgyzstan with the holding of 28 festivals, including 4 music festivals, 3 theatrical festivals, 1 republican theatrical festival, and 20 anniversary events. This information was announced at the Ministry of Culture's board meeting on February 19. Last year, theatrical troupes and collectives from the country were able to present their works outside of

AgroDialogue – 2026. The third day of the forum is dedicated to processing and export

As part of the third day of the "AgroDialog-2026" forum, organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, a parade of champions was held, honoring those who have achieved outstanding results in the field of processing. Minister Bakyt Torobaev personally welcomed them. Experts in processing and export discussed relevant issues such as: "Processing as the basis for high added value," "Modern equipment and packaging materials in

In Bishkek, the level of air pollution exceeded the norm by 2.25 times

According to data from the Kyrgyz Hydrometeorological Service, the level of air pollution in Bishkek was found to be 2.25 times higher than the established norm. Air quality monitoring was conducted from February 13 to 19, during which the main pollutants were identified. The average daily levels of these substances exceeded the permissible limits.

Tokaev announced readiness to allocate a "significant amount" to Trump's World Council

Kazakhstan has become an important participant in the World Council, established at Trump's initiative, offering not only financial assistance but also humanitarian initiatives. The inaugural meeting took place in Washington at the Donald Trump Peace Institute, where participants were given red caps with the inscription "USA," and the event opened with the sounds of famous songs from Trump's campaign rallies. In his speech, Trump emphasized that the World Council is

Focus on Prevention. Human Rights Advocate Proposes a New Model for Combating Domestic Violence

The situation with domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan raises serious concerns among human rights defenders. The director of the NGO "League of Child Rights Defenders," Nazgul Turdubekova, in her address to President Sadyr Japarov, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev, and Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh, Zhyldyz Taalaibek kyzy, reported that the level of violence in families remains high. According to Turdubekova, an effective fight against domestic violence requires the development of a

Focus on Prevention. A New Model for Combating Violence Proposed in the Kyrgyz Republic

Nazgul Turdubekova, head of the public fund "League of Child Rights Defenders," addressed the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev, and the Deputy Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh Zhyldyz Taalaibek kyzy with a proposal to strengthen the fight against domestic violence. She emphasized that the statistics on such violence in the country remain at a high level.

Exchange rates in commercial banks of Kyrgyzstan on February 20

The data is presented based on information from the websites of commercial banks. If you have any questions regarding the stated rates, it is recommended to contact the banks directly. At the time of publication, the information is current. Please note that cash exchange rates may change throughout the day.

The prospects of using AI in antitrust regulation were discussed at the EEC

At a conference organized by the Eurasian Economic Commission, the future application of artificial intelligence in antitrust regulation in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union was discussed. According to the press service of the EEC, the main focus was on how AI can enhance the efficiency of entrepreneurs and become an important tool for antitrust control, which requires the development of joint approaches to its implementation.

Training Camp in Turkey: "Shinnik" from the FNL defeated two teams from Kyrgyzstan in one day without conceding a goal.

In the run-up to the new season, the football clubs of Kyrgyzstan continue their preparations, conducting training camps in Turkey. On February 19, the teams "Dordoi" from Bishkek and "Kyrgyzaltyn" from Kara-Balta played their matches in Belek.

Residents of Bishkek are invited to learn construction professions for free

Professional Lyceum No. 4 in Bishkek has announced the start of enrollment for free courses for citizens aged 18 to 35 who do not have permanent employment or a diploma. This program is implemented with the support of the city administration and aims to assist graduates in finding employment, as reported by the city municipality.

Temporary ban on the export of mineral fertilizers from Kyrgyzstan beyond the customs territory of the EAEU has been introduced

The Head of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Adylbek Kasymaliev, signed a decree introducing a temporary ban on the export of mineral fertilizers from Kyrgyzstan beyond the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union. This ban will be in effect for six months and does not cover cases related to humanitarian aid or customs transit. It is important to note that this ban does not apply to mineral fertilizers that were previously imported from third countries and were found to

Measures to Reduce Traffic Congestion Discussed in Bishkek

On February 19, 2026, an open expert meeting was held at the "Tunguch" theater, where measures to improve the traffic situation in Bishkek were discussed. As part of this initiative, the municipality plans to create a traffic council—a platform for interaction between experts, citizens, and government institutions, which will allow for the development of comprehensive solutions to address the congestion problem.

Students and Farmers Presented a Joint Strategy at the "Agrodialog"

The "Agrodialog" forum, which has become a symbol of open experience exchange among farmers, has shown its first results. According to participants, the main event of this year was the presentations by students from agricultural universities, who shared their ideas alongside experienced industry leaders, attracting significant attention. The forum, organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, has established itself as an

Fake law enforcement officers coerced a Bishkek resident into handing over 850,000 soms over the phone.

The suspect has been detained A suspect in a phone fraud case has been detained in Bishkek, as reported by the press service of the capital's Main Internal Affairs Department. On December 12, 2025, a 76-year-old woman named M. O. approached the Sverdlovsk Internal Affairs Department. She reported that unknown individuals, posing as law enforcement officers, deceitfully obtained her money in the amount of 850,000 soms and then ceased all communication. A criminal case has been initiated

The labor migration quota in Kyrgyzstan has been increased to 52,000.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved the labor migration quota for 2026, which will amount to 52,000 people. This was reported by 24.kg, head of the department for working with foreign citizens of the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration of the KR, Arlen Aliyasov. According to Aliyasov, the quota was initially set at 25,000 last year, then increased to 42,000, and subsequently reached 52,000. If necessary, this figure may be revised.

Certificate Blocking: How the New Russian Regulation Hit the EAEU Business

In order to combat gray imports and counterfeit certificates, Russian authorities continue to introduce new restrictions on the supply of goods into the country. This leads to companies from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Belarus being at risk of being pushed out of the certification market. The most affected are the certification bodies from Kyrgyzstan. The association of these bodies has appealed to the government of Kyrgyzstan and the Eurasian Economic Commission for assistance in

The Director of the Republican Sports College is detained until April 15.

An Evening of Remembrance Dedicated to Toktogul Satylganov Took Place in Bishkek

At the Kyrgyz State Museum of Literature and Art named after the great akyn Toktogul Satylganov, an evening dedicated to his memory was held. This information was provided by the Bishkek city administration. The purpose of this event was to celebrate Kyrgyz culture, promote the legacy of T. Satylganov, and pass it on to future generations.

The head of the GKNB investigation for the Chui region has been arrested

The head of the investigation department of the GKNB in the Chui region has been arrested According to information received from sources in law enforcement agencies, B. B., who heads the investigation department of the GKNB in the Chui region, was detained on suspicion of corrupt activities. The request from the Military Prosecutor's Office for detention was granted by the court. According to information obtained from law enforcement officials, the detainee will remain in a temporary

Referees from Kyrgyzstan officiated the AFC Champions League match

The referee team from Kyrgyzstan successfully officiated the playoff match of the second Asian Champions League in football. Under the leadership of chief referee Mederbek Taychiev, the officiating crew was assigned to the Round of 16 match between the Australian club "Macarthur" and the Thai "Bangkok United".

Japan finances a new project in Kyrgyzstan. Support may be provided to 17,000 farmers in the Kyrgyz Republic.

As part of the signing, a project was presented that will assist 17,000 small farmers from the Batken, Jalal-Abad, and Osh regions. The Japanese government has allocated 4.5 million US dollars for the implementation of the program. The project aims to improve food security and the standard of living in regions most affected by climate change, with a focus on supporting women through cooperatives and mutual aid groups. Attending the event were Deputy Minister Mirbek Duyyshev, the Extraordinary

In Chui Region, a debt for alimony in the amount of 572,000 soms has been recovered

In the Chui Region, the enforcement proceedings for the recovery of alimony totaling 572 thousand soms have been successfully completed. This information was provided by the Service of Judicial Executors. According to the data, the enforcement proceedings concerned the debtor T.N.T. and covered the period from January 17, 2020, to February 9, 2026, in the Sokuluk District Department of the Service of Judicial Executors of the Chui Region.

In the village of Luxembourg, owners of illegal trading pavilions have been ordered to dismantle the structures within a week.

In the village of Luxembourg, owners of illegal trade pavilions have been instructed to dismantle their structures within a week. As noted by the city administration of Kant, an inspection was carried out in the village of Luxembourg. As a result, owners of trade pavilions on the front line were advised to dismantle their structures within one week. If the requirements are not met, the city administration will take on the responsibility for dismantling, acting in accordance with the law.

More than 4 kilograms of drugs, grenades, and weapons seized in the city of Osh from organized crime group members

Employees of the Drug Control Service in the city of Osh conducted a successful operation targeting an organized crime group involved in the large-scale sale of Afghan-produced drugs. During a search of a Daewoo Nexia car belonging to a citizen S.O.B., born in 1995, 101 grams of hashish and 155,000 soms were discovered. These items were included in the case as physical evidence.

ORT-2026. How to register for the test and what innovations await applicants

In Kyrgyzstan, registration for the Nationwide Testing (ORT) has begun, which underwent some changes in 2026. What innovations can applicants expect, and what documents will be needed to participate? Registration Process for the Test Applicants can register for the testing through the updated platform on the website of the Center for Educational Assessment and Learning Methods (COOMO) at

Military aircraft crashed in western Iran, pilot killed

Illustrative photo The incident occurred on February 19, and as a result of the aviation accident, one of the pilots lost their life. According to military sources, rescue services were immediately dispatched to the scene to carry out the necessary operations. The causes of the crash are currently being investigated.

At the Bishkek City Drama Theater - Premiere of the Solo Performance "Medea" with Dinara Abdykadyrova

The premiere of the play "Medea" based on the work of Nina Mazur will take place on the stage of the Bishkek City Dramatic Theater named after A. Umuraliev on February 27, 28, and March 1. Dinara Abdykadyrova in the solo performance "Medea". Photo by the press service of the Bishkek City Dramatic Theater. Dinara Abdykadyrova in the solo performance "Medea". Photo by the press service of the Bishkek City Dramatic Theater. Dinara Abdykadyrova in the solo performance

The First Deputy Prime Minister explained Alexey Shirshov's participation in meetings with "RusHydro"

First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Danyar Amangeldiev commented that "the participation of Alexey Shirshov in working meetings with the Minister of Energy of Russia Sergey Tsivilev and representatives of 'RusHydro' is solely based on the pragmatic interests of the state and the necessity for professional support in the complex negotiation process," he said in an interview with Kaktus.media. Recently, a meeting took place in Moscow, which, in addition to Sergey

In the U.S., Hundreds of Fake Truck Driver Training Schools Discovered

As part of this operation, covering all 50 states, more than 1,400 inspections were conducted with the participation of over 300 inspectors. As a result, many training centers that did not meet the established standards of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) were identified. Many of them used fake addresses, lacked qualified instructors, or did not teach drivers important rules, such as transporting hazardous materials. Some educational institutions even admitted that they

In Bishkek, vehicles with excessive emissions have been identified

As a result of a recent raid in Bishkek, three vehicles were recorded whose emissions exceed the established norms by more than 50%. This was reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. Based on Article 234 of the KR Code "On Offenses," three protocols were drawn up against the owners of these vehicles, and the total amount of fines amounted to 22,500 soms.

On the Bishkek–Kara-Balta highway, 12 temporary trading points and light construction structures have been dismantled.

In addition, before the start of the work, explanatory work was carried out among the owners to ensure they understood the necessity of eliminating violations. The Chuy regional office of state architectural and construction control will continue to monitor the quality of construction work in the Chuy region and urges all participants in construction activities to strictly adhere to safety standards and regulations, as reported by the Ministry of Construction. As a result of these activities,

"Agrodialog": Acoustic Freezing Will Enhance the Export Potential of Agricultural Products

- As part of the agricultural forum "Agrodialog," which took place on February 20, Turusbek Matiyev, the director of a company in the field of agrologistics, shared information about a new technology for acoustic freezing. This technology promises not only to extend the shelf life of agricultural products but also to enhance their export potential. According to Matiyev, this technology allows for freezing products without damaging their cellular structure. This is a key factor in

In Uzbekistan, jury trials for particularly serious cases will be introduced

Starting from November 2026, Uzbekistan will implement an experiment to introduce a panel of people's representatives. In Tashkent and its region, criminal cases related to particularly serious crimes will be considered with the participation of jurors, made possible by a new decree signed by the president.

In Bishkek, the preparation for the I Youth Delphic Games of the SCO was discussed

On February 18, a meeting of the organizing committee took place in Bishkek, where the preparation for the First Youth Delphic Games of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was discussed. This event was held under the leadership of Mayor Aibek Junushaliev with the participation of Vladimir Ponyavin, the director of the International Delphic Committee. According to reports, the committee members discussed the progress of the preparation, organizational aspects, and issues of international