Iran-Kyrgyzstan Working Group Meeting: Exchanging the Geological and Exploration Experiences and Cooperating More

The first meeting of the Kyrgyzstan-Iran working group on cooperation in the field of geology and mineral exploration was held at the Geological Survey of Iran with the presence of representatives from both sides

Dr. Hanieh Bakhshaee, director of the Int`l affairs department of GSI, while welcoming the Kyrgyz guests, referred to the history of the establishment and activities of her organization and stated: This organization was established ۶۶ years ago with the aim of producing basic geological and exploration information throughout the country. She pointed out that this organization is one of the nine leading geological organizations in the world and is the chairman of the Middle East branch of the International Commission for the Preparation of Geological Maps of the World (CGMW) .

Dr. Hossein Shariatmadar Tehrani, head of the department of Presidency, public relations and international affairs  of the GSI, referred to the holding of the 12th meeting of the Joint Commission between Iran and Kyrgyzstan and the emphasis of both sides on developing mining cooperation, and said: « To compile a description of executive services and sign a separate agreement, we requested the formation of a joint technical committee and inviting senior managers of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan, which was stopped due to the outbreak of Corona, and we are happy that these conditions are now available and we have been able to host you. »

He emphasized: « We remain ready to cooperate with the geological survey affiliated with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan in the implementation of applied geological, exploration, mining projects, and personnel training in order to develop geological cooperation and mineral exploration  . »

The meeting continued with the statements of the deputy director of the geological survey of Kyrgyzstan under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. Mr. Ruslan Kalilov, stating that we are very active in the geology sector, said: In the previous commission between the two countries, it was decided to raise a number of issues in the field of geology and mineral exploration, and now, given your brilliant record in these areas, we are eager to exchange experiences in these fields and cooperate further.

Referring to the current state of industry and mining in the Kyrgyz Republic, he noted: « our department is a government department that works in the field of mineral exploration, and our country is located in Central Asia and rich in gold mines (coomtar) and other metallic minerals, including uranium, mercury, lead, and zinc. »

Mr. Ruslan Kalilov, while expressing his satisfaction that fortunately we have the right to obtain permits to carry out exploration and mining works, including exploration permits, discovery certificates, and exploitation permits, stated: « In ۲۰۲۳، the volume of exploitation of metallic minerals, oil, gas, and coal in this country was ۵۶ percent, and this year we have issued approximately ۲۳ valid work permits, as well as ۱.۷۱۹ exploitation permits and ۳۷۸ exploration and prospecting permits for mines. » .

Referring to the status of mining investment projects in the Kyrgyz Republic, he added: « Our country is working separately in the field of mineral exploration, and the mining industry and the recycling and development of mining industries play a major role in the development and increase of the level of welfare in this country. »

Mr. Reza Jadidi, director general of the planning, information technology and budget office of GSI also presented the status of geology, mines and the geological revolution plan programs، and the proposals of the geological survey of Iran in the areas of cooperation in the field of providing basic geological information of Kyrgyzstan, exploring and identifying mineral reserves of Kyrgyzstan, developing the database of geosciences of Kyrgyzstan, identifying the potential of geoparks in Kyrgyzstan, cooperating in the field of specialized geological laboratories regarding the organization previous successful experiences in several countries, including establishing laboratories, training specialized personnel and accepting analysis of geological and exploration samples, and holding joint training courses which were welcomed by the Kyrgyz side. In the continuation of the meeting, it was decided to hold the next meeting within the next ۲ months to review the matters of understanding and coordinate the signing of the memorandum of understanding.

In addition to a group of deputies and directors of the GSI, the deputy minister, head of the International Cooperation Department, an expert from the International Cooperation Department, the deputy director of the Geological Service of Kyrgyzstan under the supervision of the Ministry, the head of the Geological Department of the Geological Service of Kyrgyzstan under the supervision of the Ministry, the head of the Analysis and Planning Department of the Geological Service of Kyrgyzstan, and a specialist and expert from the Analysis and Planning Department of the Geological Service of Kyrgyzstan under the supervision of the Ministry were also present at this meeting.