Kyrgyzstan, known as the “Democracy Island” of Central Asia, is characterized as one of the countries in the region where the Western liberal understanding of democracy is the most established, as it is a state that has repeatedly experienced the change of power through democratic means.
However, frequent social movements in this country lead to revolutions and are effective in the change of power. Although this situation is important in terms of the demands of the society shaping politics, the manipulation of social movements by foreign powers can also have negative effects on the sovereignty and independence of the country. The most concrete example of this is the Tulip Revolution of 2005, known as one of the color revolutions. Therefore, while strengthening the democratic identity of the country, political stability and sustainability are also important.
Aware of this situation, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov, although he himself came to power as a result of a social movement, is taking important steps to prevent his country from being open to foreign interference, that is, as a leader who cares about strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s independence and sovereignty.
In this context, it can be stated that the steps taken in Kyrgyzstan to limit the structures working with foreign funds, especially those known to be Sorosian, are critical.
Undoubtedly, the main development that will strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s independence and sovereignty is the implementation of a healthy balance policy that will also turn the competition between global power centers into an opportunity. Therefore, the Bishkek administration acts with a multi-vector, multi-directional and multi-dimensional diplomacy approach that takes into account the balances between power centers and tries to maximize its geopolitical and geoeconomic gains. Therefore, the most important achievement of Mr. Dzhaparov is the country’s limitation of the Western-oriented policy approach and the adoption of a multi-vector foreign policy.
In fact, the current conjuncture has created a strong tendency for a multi-vector foreign policy across the Central Asian states. At a time when the Russia-West struggle is on the rise and China is considered as a potential hegemonic power making its influence felt at the global level, the actors are trying to develop constructive and peaceful policies based on mutual respect and win-win logic with all parties. This can be seen as a guarantee of the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the countries.
The Central Asian countries, particularly Kyrgyzstan, are former Soviet republics, which is why Russia’s cultural influence is felt. Moreover, Moscow is keen to increase its influence in the region within the framework of the “Near Periphery Doctrine”, also known as the Primakov Doctrine. China, on the other hand, is making significant economic investments in Central Asia within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and offers significant opportunities for infrastructure development. For the Bishkek administration, the most recent example of this is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project. In this sense, both Bishkek and other regional capitals value developing good relations with Russia and China as they are located in close geographical proximity to these two great powers .
On the other hand, it is critical that Kyrgyzstan in particular, and the region in general, does not develop unilateral dependency relations in its relations with Russia and China. In this sense, the democratization and consequently political and economic liberalization processes of the regional states are very meaningful. It is obvious that Kyrgyzstan has already made significant progress in this regard. Moreover, maintaining a Western orientation in foreign policy prevents unidirectional economic dependence and facilitates the attraction of direct or indirect foreign investment. As a matter of fact, the most important expectation of both Kyrgyzstan and other countries in the region is investments that will create employment and increase the welfare of their people. For this reason, it is important for Western capital to come to the region.
In accordance with this reality, the Bishkek administration has recently taken steps to strengthen its multi-vector foreign policy approach. The intensity and diversity of diplomatic contacts confirm this. Thus, on March 23, 2023, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov and discussed current issues between the two countries.[1]
Later, within the framework of Kyrgyz-Russian consultations, meetings were organized between the Kyrgyz delegation headed by Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister Asein Isaev and the Russian delegation headed by Syeomolotov. During the meetings, cooperation in international organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as issues such as terrorism, drug trafficking, the Afghan conflict, etc. were discussed, and it was revealed that there is a search for strong regional cooperation based on strong regional cooperation against regional problems.[2]
Another statement made on the same day showed that Kyrgyzstan attaches as much importance to its relations with China as it does with Russia. Chinese Ambassador to Bishkek Du Dewen announced that Mr. Dzharov will visit Beijing in May 2023. “Kyrgyzstan and China are strategic partners. We will try to create a unity of destiny for China and Kyrgyzstan. We and our peoples should remain friends for centuries to come,” Du said, emphasizing that the relations between the parties tend to expand and to deepen.[3]
On the other hand, on March 23, 2023, it was reported in the press that Kyrgyzstan is preparing to develop economic cooperation with Japan, one of the most important allies of the West in the Asia-Pacific. This points to a multi-vector approach in which the Western direction is maintained both in terms of investments and political orientation.
Moreover, the case of Japan implies that this Western orientation is not limited to Europe and the US, but also includes the West’s partners in the Asia-Pacific.
It is reported that Kyrgyzstan and Japan have signed an agreement on foreign currency notes and grants. 5.3 million dollars was allocated for the improvement of equipment for the maintenance of roads and sidewalks in the Batken region.[4] This can be read as an indication that Bishkek is taking concrete steps to improve the welfare of the society, especially infrastructure.
All these developments can be read as Bishkek continued its multi-vector foreign policy approach decisively and made contacts to strengthen this policy. This process has contributed to Kyrgyzstan’s independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty and prosperity. It can be stated that Bishkek steadfastly maintains its multi-vector foreign policy approach and engages in contacts to strengthen this policy.
[1] “В МИД КР прошла встреча с замминистра иностранных дел России”, Aki Press, https://kg.akipress.org/news:1887287/?from=kgnews&place=maincats, (Date of Accession: 24.03.2023).
[2] “В Бишкеке состоялись кыргызско-российские консультации по вопросам региональной безопасности”, Aki Press, https://kg.akipress.org/news:1887346/?from=kgnews&place=maincats, (Date of Accession: 24.03.2023).
[3] “Садыр Жапаров с государственным визитом посетит Китай в мае 2023 года”, Aki Press, https://kg.akipress.org/news:1887017/?from=kgnews&place=maincats, (Date of Accession: 24.03.2023).
[4] “Kyrgyzstan to Receive $5.3 Million Grant from Japan”, 24.kg, https://24.kg/english/261450__Kyrgyzstan_to_receive_53_million_grant_from_Japan/, (Date of Accession: 24.03.2023).
