Kyrgyzstan recently ratified an agreement with Russia to decontaminate radioactive areas, addressing the environmental consequences of uranium mining in the country. The agreement aims to protect the local population from the threat posed by over 300 million cubic meters of toxic waste at ninety-two sites.
In a separate ceremony, Kyrgyzstan celebrated the removal of 55 tons of toxic rocket fuel near the capital, Bishkek, reducing the risk of an environmental emergency. The fuel will be transported to Germany for destruction next month, with support from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Russian state-run nuclear company Rosatom is also involved in decontamination efforts in neighboring Central Asian countries. The EU and World Bank have provided funds to aid restoration projects in Kyrgyzstan.
President Sadyr Japarov emphasized the importance of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Russia to ensure the safety of affected areas. Without decontamination, natural disasters could spread the toxic waste, endangering the entire Central Asian region.