Today, March 18, 2026, an official meeting was held between Akyl Toktobaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Hugh Riddell, Country Director of the World Bank Group in the Kyrgyz Republic.

During the talks, the parties discussed the implementation of key environmental initiatives and identified priorities for joint work in the near future.

During the meeting, the Minister focused on the progress of the “Improving Air Quality in the Kyrgyz Republic” project. He emphasized the strategic importance of implementing monitoring systems and practical measures to reduce smog levels in the urban environment.

Furthermore, the parties discussed the progress of the draft Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Climate Action.” This document is intended to lay the legal foundation for the country’s adaptation to global change and the fulfillment of its international obligations.

Mr. Hugh Riddell expressed the World Bank’s readiness to support Kyrgyzstan’s initiatives in the international arena aimed at protecting mountain ecosystems and promoting sustainable development in mountain regions, which is a priority of the Kyrgyz Republic’s state policy.

Minister Akyl Toktobaev expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its status as a reliable partner: “We highly appreciate the World Bank’s support in modernizing the environmental sector. Our joint work is not simply project implementation, but a fundamental contribution to the country’s sustainable future.”

In turn, the World Bank Country Director noted the Ministry’s leading role in addressing environmental issues and confirmed his intention to expand expert and financial support for environmental reforms in Kyrgyzstan.

At the end of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying cooperation across a wide range of pressing issues, including natural resource management and the implementation of innovative environmental technologies.

Google machine translated