Russian PM Confronts Kyrgyzstan Over Treatment of Russian Businesses

During a meeting in Astana with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev, Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin raised concerns about "unfounded claims" against Russian companies operating in Kyrgyzstan, Orda reports, citing RBK.

These unfounded claims and unlawful statements by Kyrgyz state authorities target honest Russian companies that develop the country's economy, create jobs, and rank among the largest taxpayers, Mishustin stated.

He noted that Russia's Foreign Ministry sent a diplomatic note to Bishkek detailing the alleged violations.

We ask Kyrgyzstan's leadership to stop administrative pressure on our companies and ensure protection of Russian investors' rights and legitimate interests, he added.

Kasymaliev responded that he would "discuss this matter again" upon returning to Bishkek and inform Russia accordingly.

The confrontation follows Kyrgyzstan's antitrust case against Yandex Taxi last spring, where the National Security Committee (GKNB) alleged unjustified rate increases for taxi drivers and potential large-scale tax evasion.