Kulubaev and Rubio Discuss Sanctions, Visas and Trade in Samarkand

Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on October 19, 2026. The talks were held on the sidelines of the C5+1 Central Asia–US ministerial meeting.

Key topics included US sanctions, visa restrictions affecting Kyrgyz citizens, bilateral trade and attracting investment. The Kyrgyz side confirmed its readiness to keep cooperating with Washington on sanctions compliance and preventing the circumvention of restrictions. Bishkek also said it wants wider access to American investment, modern technology and humanitarian ties.

Kyrgyzstan's special presidential representative Bakyt Sydykov also took part in the talks. The United States made its visa deposit programme permanent from August 3, 2026. For B1/B2 tourist and business visas, a refundable deposit of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 applies, with the amount set by the consular officer. Kyrgyzstan was also elected for the first time as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, with its term starting January 1, 2027.