More information about Kyrgyzstan is available on the Kyrgyzstan Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-KYRGYZSTAN RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Kyrgyzstan in 1991 following Kyrgyzstan's independence from the Soviet Union. The two countries have a strong partnership. The United States supports Kyrgyzstan in its development of an inclusive democracy based upon the rule of law and respect for human rights. Kyrgyzstan's 2011 presidential election marked the first peaceful transfer of presidential power in post-Soviet Central Asia. Significant impediments to Kyrgyzstan's development include corruption, aging infrastructure, high unemployment, and endemic poverty. Kyrgyzstan, however, benefits from a robust civil society and a relatively free media sector.

U.S. Assistance to Kyrgyzstan

U.S. Government assistance goals in Kyrgyzstan are to strengthen democratic institutions, support broad-based economic opportunity, enhance regional security, promote greater respect for human rights and the rule of law, provide assistance for basic humanitarian needs, and to address development challenges in the health and education areas. A fact sheet on U.S. assistance to Kyrgyzstan can be found here.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Kyrgyzstan exports apparel, textiles, and pharmaceutical products to the United States. It imports merchandise, machinery, electronics, and food products from the United States. Kyrgyzstan has signed a bilateral investment treaty with the United States. The treaty on double taxation that was signed by the United States and the Soviet Union remains in effect between the United States and Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan also signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the United States and other Central Asian countries establishing a regional forum to discuss ways to improve investment climates and expand trade within Central Asia.

Kyrgyzstan's Membership in International Organizations

Kyrgyzstan and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Kyrgyzstan also is a participant in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace program.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan is Sheila Gwaltney; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Kyrgyzstan maintains an embassy in the United States at 2360 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel. (202) 449-9822.

More information about Kyrgyzstan is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Kyrgyzstan Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Kyrgyzstan Page
U.S. Embassy: Kyrgyzstan
USAID Kyrgyzstan Page
History of U.S. Relations With Kyrgyzstan
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information