Despite the recent problems associated with the fact that the United States included Kyrgyzstan in the list of countries on the introduction of immigrant and diversity visa restrictions, the foreign policy of the Kyrgyz Republic can be called successful.
Maxim Korsak, an expert at the Institute of International Studies in Politics and History told Kabar Agency that “the success of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy lies in the fact that the country has not been drawn into any conflict. This is, above all. During the years of independence, Kyrgyzstan has not had tense relations with any of the representatives of the international political mosaic. What some experts now call the situation, which raises the degree in relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and the USA, after the restrictions on obtaining immigrant visas, has actually a different background. I am sure that the issue will be resolved in a relatively short time. The American side is concerned about the development of a new strategy for Central Asia. This document has already been developed and approved by the European Union. I fully admit that the Americans created temporary inconvenience to the Kyrgyz side in order, as they say, to test the soil and assess the situation of loyalty to their policies in the region. I assume that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic is already working on the entire necessary set of measures to achieve normalization of the situation. If ignore the above topics, then I can say that Kyrgyz foreign policy has always been very flexible, wise, able to maneuver and adapt to a rapidly changing world.”
It should be recalled that not so long ago in Tashkent, the Kyrgyz delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Chingiz Aidarbekov took part in the Ministerial meeting of the Central Asia + USA cooperation format (C5 + 1). The meeting was also attended by the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the US Secretary of State.
Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Chingiz Aidarbekov held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. The sides discussed the ways of developing cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States, including joint steps to eliminate visa restrictions imposed by the United States for citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic. Aidarbekov once more emphasized that the decision of the American side directly affects the interests of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Kyrgyz side expressed surprise that out of more than 80 countries that have not yet introduced biometric passports, only a few states, including Kyrgyzstan, were selectively limited. This does not fit into the understanding of partner support for parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech, which is successfully developing in Kyrgyzstan.
Nevertheless, in recent years, Kyrgyzstan has been actively manifesting itself in various international venues. Foreign policy has always been a kind of strong point of the country. The ability to occupy the correct positions on the international chessboard is a serious and very delicate matter. Kyrgyzstan has always stood and stands on the principles of peace. This determines the main vector in the foreign policy direction. In recent years, successes in the international arena have led to increased interest from many foreign countries and international organizations. It is worth highlighting separately the desire to seek and find new contacts abroad, due to which to reveal with even greater force all the existing potential.
Professor of St. Petersburg State University Alexander Kurochkin said that indeed Kyrgyzstan has been becoming more active player in the international field every year. “The current leadership of the country is making great efforts to seek and expand new foreign policy contacts. The republic is experiencing a boom, and against this background, many foreign countries are now very willing to make contact with Kyrgyzstan. This speaks volumes, a stable political situation, and a favorable economic climate. I must say that President Sooronbay Jeenbekov is developing the country strategically correctly,” the expert said.
Meanwhile, President Jeenbekov said that the foreign policy of the republic will be determined by “the goals of protecting the interests of Kyrgyzstan, improving the life of the people, ensuring the safety of society and every citizen, as well as comprehensive development”.
Jeenbekov said that during his state visit to China in June 2018, cooperation with the People’s Republic of China was raised to a strategic level. He added that the country intends to develop bilateral and multilateral relations with Turkey, Japan, Korea, the United States, EU countries, with the countries of the Arab world and with neighboring countries - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
“It is important to act constructively with partners and neighbors in the Central Asian region. The proximity of borders opens up additional opportunities for more successful cooperation in the economic sphere. In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has been actively declaring its economic potential, trying to bring branding of its products into orbit. The countries of Central Asia should be the first and, in fact, the main consumers of these efforts, which in turn can become guides for the further journey to distant foreign markets,” said political analyst Alan Bogosyan.
To continue the theme, it is worth adding that President Jeenbekov also said that the integration of the republic within the framework of the EAEU will also remain a priority in foreign policy. The membership of Kyrgyzstan in the SCO and the CSTO, according to the president, meets the goals of ensuring the national security of the state, as well as “the inviolability of state borders and the elimination of threats of terrorism.
“The multi-vector nature of foreign policy is its correct development. Today it is impossible to adhere to only one direction. Everything is changing, priorities are changing, mutual interests are changing. It is important to maneuver and only with such a smart approach one can gain great respect for oneself. Kyrgyzstan has something to be proud of. Throughout the entire period of independence, the Kyrgyz Republic tried to pursue an active policy at external borders, upholding the principles of peace, diplomacy, consolidation at many international venues, sharply condemning violence and terror. On the UN fields, Kyrgyzstan also established itself as a reliable ally of creative policy,” Bogosyan emphasized.
By the way, these topical issues were recently discussed by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Chingiz Aidarbekov. In addition, the results of the foreign policy activities of Kyrgyzstan for 2019 and priority areas and tasks for 2020 were discussed.
The head of state noted the need for a detailed analysis of the country's international agenda over the past year to develop concrete proposals for improving the domestic diplomatic system. Jeenbekov named the implementation of the main directions of the country's foreign policy, building and strengthening bilateral relations with the closest partner countries and non-CIS countries as the priorities for 2020.
Aidarbekov noted that last year the foreign policy agenda was very saturated - a number of major international events were successfully held, visits of the heads of foreign states to the country took place. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic paid highest level visits to a number of countries, following which bilateral documents were signed. The minister emphasized that to date, the relevant state bodies are continuing work on the implementation of the agreements reached during these events. It is noted that in 2020 one of the main events on the international agenda is the Cross Year of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Russian Federation and the Russian Federation in the Kyrgyz Republic. He also spoke about the preparation of foreign visits of the head of state for the current year.
The President emphasized the need for coordinated interaction between the structures involved and a quality study of all foreign policy measures planned for 2020.
In conclusion, we note that the foreign policy of the Kyrgyz Republic should maintain its predictability and consistency. The main assessment of the success of the foreign policy pursued should be in promoting domestic goods to international markets, the volume of investments attracted to Kyrgyzstan, protecting the rights and interests of Kyrgyz citizens abroad, ensuring the security and integrity of the state. Foreign policy should be based on stable, friendly relations with neighboring states and leading world powers, as well as international organizations.
Kabar News Agency
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