Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Addressed the International Expert Conference

Bishkek, 4 November 2021 (TDI): Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister, Ruslan A. Kazakbayev, addressed the first international expert conference on “Central Asian countries in new geopolitical conditions against the background of the situation in Afghanistan.” The event convened today at the Hyatt Regency Bishkek hotel.

Several leading international experts and specialists on Afghanistan and geopolitics attended the conference in Bishkek. Other participants included representatives of the Kyrgyzstan government, officials from the diplomatic missions in Bishkek, and international organizations, such as the United Nations and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Ruslan Kazakbayev expressed his gratitude towards the Conference’s participants and addressed the Afghanistan situation and regional security in Central Asia. He noted that regardless of the absolute support, the development model imposed on Afghanistan from the outside world turned out to be unacceptable.

Speaking at the occasion, Ruslan Kazakbayev stated the long-term war in Afghanistan had catastrophic effects; It violated the country’s socio-economic, political, and cultural life. He added that Kabul needs humanitarian assistance to tackle the crisis and urged the international community to help Afghanistan.

Moreover, the Kyrgyz Foreign Minister reiterated his country’s support to the people of Afghanistan. He stated that Kyrgyzstan was one of the first countries to immediately deliver humanitarian aid to Kabul amid the Taliban takeover. He also announced the government’s decision to continue issuing student visas for Afghan citizens during his address.

In addition, Minister Kazakbayev stressed that Kyrgyzstan supports Afghan development and regional prosperity. He also emphasized eliminating terrorism and drug trafficking from Kabul and building a constructive dialogue with the new Afghan government to ensure regional stability.