Nurdan Oruntaev: Kyrgyzstan sees great potential for cooperation with Azerbaijan - INTERVIEW

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku is hosting discussions on the future of modern cities, sustainable development, and the implementation of advanced construction technologies. This year, Kyrgyzstan is officially participating in such a large-scale event for the first time, presenting its ambitious urban development projects.

Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Construction, Architecture, Housing, and Communal Services Nurdan Oruntaev gave an interview to Report and discussed the main goals of his country's participation in the forum and the adaptation of global building standards in Kyrgyzstan.

- What are the main practical results or solutions that Kyrgyzstan aims to achieve as a result of its participation in WUF13?

- This is our first time participating in the World Urban Forum. Going forward, we plan to regularly participate in events of this scale. Our current goal is to learn from experience. This is crucial for ensuring that the domestic urban development industry keeps pace with the times and is fully aligned with modern global trends.

In addition, we are showcasing our architectural examples and integrated construction projects focused on new construction in Kyrgyzstan, as well as presenting a number of projects that have already been successfully implemented, are currently under construction, or are fully completed. Specifically, I would like to highlight five-star hotels in the city of Tamchy in the Issyk-Kul region, as well as integrated residential projects in Bishkek.

We are also particularly proud to note that today we have successfully commissioned the first fully environmentally friendly waste recycling plant in the post-Soviet space. Full operation of all these facilities is planned for next summer or next year.

- How would you rate the forum's organization?

- The Baku forum was organized at a high level. The events held as part of WUF13 are extremely effective for sharing experiences.

- Azerbaijan is implementing large-scale urban development projects, including in Karabakh. Which of these projects are of interest to you? In general, in which areas of urban development do you see the greatest potential for cooperation with Azerbaijan?

- We are primarily interested in projects being implemented in Baku. At the same time, a large number of infrastructure and construction projects are currently underway in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Kyrgyzstan is also participating in this process. For example, a new, modern school has been built in these areas at the instructions of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. We see great potential for future collaboration and the exchange of urban development experience.

- Does Kyrgyzstan plan to implement specific urban planning or technological solutions that will be adopted at the forum?

- Regarding the adaptation of technologies, Kyrgyzstan already widely uses Chinese and Japanese technologies, as well as the standards of the European Union, the United States, and other countries. We became the first country in the region to officially authorize design and construction based on the building codes of six countries. These include the standards of China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. The use of these advanced global technologies creates favorable opportunities for us to effectively implement new large-scale projects within the country.

- What is the main message that Kyrgyzstan wants to convey to the international community at this forum?

- The president of Kyrgyzstan personally arrived at the forum yesterday and is actively participating in its work today. Our main message is openness to cooperation, sustainable development, and the integration of the best global green and technological solutions in urban development.