INTERVIEW OF AMBASSADOR OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

On the eve of Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day on 31^st August, the editor of The News Analytics Journal (TNJ), Ms Sandhya Srivastava, interacted with H.E. Mr. Askar Beshimov, Honourable Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Republic of India.

– Published in The News Analytics Journal September 24 Edition

TNJ:  Mr. Ambassador, as Kyrgyzstan commemorates its Independence Day on 31^st August, could you elaborate on the significance of this day for the people of Kyrgyzstan and their hopes for the future?

H.E. Mr. Askar Beshimov:    Independence Day for Kyrgyzstan is the most important element of spiritual development, maturation and national understanding of the path travelled and consolidation of the cultural achievements of our people. Today, looking back at the centuries-old history of Kyrgyzstan, you feel proud that it was able to prove its ability to rise from the ashes, believe in the future, improve and move forward, creating a unique and inimitable foundation for viability.

Since 1991, Kyrgyzstan has begun to develop as a new independent country, with its independent foreign policy, and this year the country celebrates the 33rd anniversary of independence in modern history. I would like to note that this is not only our Independence Day but also a holiday of friendship and unity for the multinational people of Kyrgyzstan.

At present, the main thing for the country is to maintain independence, increase the socio-economic power of the country, consistently implement large-scale program tasks and reforms initiated in recent years, and the well-being and prosperity of the people.

Since ancient times, our people have been imbued with a sense of independence and sacredly honoring its value, passing it on from generation to generation at the genetic level. It has become characteristic of the Kyrgyz people to strive for freedom, justice and equality from time immemorial. Therefore, today, every citizen of our country considers it their sacred duty to preserve the independence of the state and the unity of the people.

TNJ:  India and Kyrgyzstan have maintained a friendly relationship for many years. What are your views on the current state of bilateral relations, and where do you see the greatest potential for further cooperation?

H.E. Mr. Askar Beshimov: Our countries established diplomatic relations in 1992. Since then, bilateral relations between our countries have reached a great breakthrough. Today, cooperation between our countries can be characterized as partnership, progressive, on an equal basis.

Activation and expansion of bilateral cooperation between our countries is one of the important areas of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy. Bilateral cooperation is characterized by mutual understanding and closeness of positions on international and regional issues and problems. Active political dialogue between Kyrgyzstan and India creates favorable conditions for deepening and expanding the entire spectrum of cooperation.

Throughout the history of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of India, a number of mutual high-level and top-level visits have taken place. Thus, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyrgyzstan twice, in 2015 and 2019.

At the same time, Mr. Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2019 can be considered a new round of development of bilateral partnership, since following the visit, the parties signed a declaration on the establishment of bilateral strategic partnership relations. It would be fair to note that raising the level of relations between our countries provides for new commitments to take effective measures to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the practical plane and deepen mutual trust.

I would like to separately touch upon cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, which provides favourable conditions for cooperation in mining, pharmaceuticals, IT, textiles, education, hydropower, agriculture, industry and tourism development.

The development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the countries is one of the important areas of bilateral cooperation. Kyrgyzstan and India are connected by centuries-old history and culture, the long history of our cultural interaction testifies to the deep ties between the peoples of our countries, which are becoming stronger every year.

I would like to especially emphasize that Indian culture, art, cuisine, Indian history, as well as Indian cinema are very popular among the Kyrgyz people. One can even say that an entire generation of Kyrgyzstanis grew up on Indian films. Representatives of Kyrgyzstan are happy to come to India to participate in various cultural festivals.

An important component in the area of cultural and humanitarian cooperation is cooperation in the field of education. About 17 thousand Indian students study at universities in Kyrgyzstan. The priority area for Indian students is the medical field, namely medical care.

Of course, Kyrgyzstan and India still have a lot to do to strengthen all areas of cooperation, but I would like to note that our countries have the appropriate attitude, which, I am sure, will give the necessary impetus to deepen the partnership.

TNJ: Kyrgyzstan plays a vital role in the Central Asian region.  Can you elaborate on your perspective on the evolving geopolitical landscape of Central Asia and how India can contribute to regional stability and development?

H.E. Mr. Askar Beshimov:  Deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with its closest neighbours is one of the priorities of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy. Expanding political cooperation creates favourable conditions for intensifying trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties in the region.

For us, the priority areas of cooperation in Central Asia are the expansion and deepening of trade and economic ties, the water and energy sector, diversification and expansion of transport corridors and the strengthening of transit potential.

We are considering the possibility of implementing joint projects, and taking coordinated measures to ensure common security in the region. We pay special attention to expanding cultural and humanitarian ties, including, first of all, cooperation in the spheres of culture, education, and tourism.

This is due to the fact that our peoples are connected by a common history, religion, culture and invaluable bonds of friendship and good neighborliness, which has had a positive impact on the development of relations between the countries of Central Asia.

Joint work, constant dialogue and communication based on mutual respect, consideration of each other’s interests, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, make it possible to overcome all obstacles and difficulties, develop and maintain a sense of common interests and unity of people.

India is a very important partner not only for Kyrgyzstan but also for all Central Asian countries. It is safe to say that the development of mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral relations is one of the priority areas of cooperation between India and Central Asian countries.

TNJ: Technological advancements are transforming the world. How do you envision India and Kyrgyzstan working together in areas such as digital innovation and green technologies for their mutual benefit?

H.E. Mr. Askar Beshimov: In light of the environmental trends and concepts for combating climate change that are gaining momentum in the modern world, the need to transition to a new economic model – the “green economy” – is becoming increasingly important.

Today, all countries of the world are building their own model of a green economy, which is a logical and inevitable consequence of human consumer activity, manifested in the global environmental crisis and climate change.

I would like to note that today in our country 80% of the country’s energy is produced from carbon-free sources – hydroelectric power plants, and we can already say today that “green energy” has been practically built in our country. The country’s government is making a lot of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, pursuing a systemic policy in the fields of ecology, economics and social development.

Of course, the implementation of such an ambitious goal will require considerable efforts from all government bodies, a revision of many industry development programs, and a redistribution of colossal financial flows and resources.

Kyrgyzstan and India have areas for mutually beneficial cooperation in this area. First of all, this is joint research and development. Joint work in this area will allow us to create new algorithms and applications, and new technologies. Secondly, it is necessary to exchange experience between educational institutions in improving educational programs in the field of technology and artificial intelligence. Thirdly, the governments of the two countries need to consider creating favourable conditions for the development of the AI ​​industry, including tax incentives, a simplified registration procedure, and grant support for young entrepreneurs developing AI-based products.

And finally, of course, it is necessary for companies and scientists from our countries to participate in international projects and exchange experience and knowledge with the world community.

TNJ: Political ties between the two countries have remained strong over the years. Kyrgyzstan also supports India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC. What are your views on restructuring of the Security Council?

H.E. Mr. Askar Beshimov: The issue of reforming the UN Security Council is irreversible. Recent events in the world and the lack of a proper response from the most universal Organization to armed conflicts show that member states need to focus their attention on the issue of reforming the UN Security Council.

At the same time, discussions of this issue in recent years indicate that a change in the quantitative composition of the UN Security Council will most likely occur, although serious contradictions still remain between the world’s leading states.

Kyrgyzstan advocates for the expansion of the UN Security Council in both categories, permanent and non-permanent, taking into account the interests of all regional groups. It is necessary to strive to achieve the greatest possible consensus on the reform of the Council and try to carry out the transformation of the UN Security Council within the appropriate time frame.

Kyrgyzstan adheres to the position of increasing the transparency and legitimacy of decisions taken. The mechanisms of the Council’s interaction with other states should be improved. In addition, increased cooperation and coordination between the UNSC and the main UN organs, such as the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, are critical elements for successful UNSC reform.

Given the existing disagreements among UN member states on the issue of UN Security Council reform, Kyrgyzstan advocates for intensifying efforts to find solutions that meet the interests of the entire international community. In carrying out the UN Security Council reform, it is necessary to overcome the remaining significant contradictions between UN member states and achieve the broadest possible agreement.

We are interested in permanent membership in the UN Security Council of states with which we have strategic and trusting-friendly bilateral relations, which includes India, and we support India’s candidacy for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

TNJ: As we celebrate Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day, would you wish to send a message to the people of India about the future of our relationship?

H.E. Mr. Askar Beshimov:Our peoples are united by a rich historical past, warm friendly relations and strong interaction, which have always been based on goodwill and mutual respect. Cultural heritage and interaction in various fields over the past 33 years have played a significant role in the Kyrgyz-Indian relations at the present stage.

Today, Kyrgyzstan and India have developed close, multifaceted ties and a high-level political dialogue based on similar perceptions and similar ideas about the future. Our countries have a common vision on many global and regional issues and closely cooperate both bilaterally and within international organizations. We are also bearers of universal values of democracy, human rights, justice and peaceful resolution of problems.

I am confident that the warm relations existing between our peoples, as well as sincere interstate dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation will contribute to the consistent deepening and expansion of the bilateral agenda for the benefit of our countries and peoples. I wish the people of India peace, prosperity and well-being.