PRESIDENT BAKIYEV OUTLINES A NEW FOREIGN POLICY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 000037 SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2020 TAGS: PGOV PREL KG SUBJECT: PRESIDENT BAKIYEV OUTLINES A NEW FOREIGN POLICY DOCTRINE AND VOWS TO CONTINUE LARGE-SCALE REFORMS IN 2010 Classified By: Ambassador Tatiana C. Gfoeller, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: In two separate speeches during the last week of December, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev voiced the need for a new Kyrgyz foreign policy doctrine better suited to the country,s current challenges, and vowed to continue with a series of large-scale reforms initiated in 2009. While the President,s address on foreign policy offered no radical changes, it suggests some subtle adjustments more in tune with Kyrgyzstan,s national interests and not those of their larger more powerful neighbors. End Summary. New Foreign Policy Doctrine -------------- ¶2. (C) At a December 24 ceremonial event honoring the 65th anniversary of the State Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in all of its various forms),President Bakiyev reviewed the recent foreign policy successes of Kyrgyzstan and noted that recent international trends necessitated a rethinking of Kyrgyz foreign policy that would be better suited to today,s challenges and threats. Bakiyev clarified that he did not intend revolutionary changes and that Kyrgyzstan would adhere strictly to its present commitments and obligations. Bakiyev cited a list of concerns, including the growth of international terrorism, regional threats (the war in Afghanistan, border conflicts, drug trafficking),energy and water-related issues and the global financial crisis. What Kyrgyzstan needed at this time he explained, was a more pro-active foreign policy better suited to addressing these issues. ¶3. (C) Bakiyev explained that such a policy would emphasize those strategic goals that would lead ultimately to the renewal of Kyrgyzstan. He highlighted that the new policy would not be limited by established ties and traditions, possibly referring to Russia, but should consider new opportunities and relationships and take a multi-vector approach. From a political standpoint, the President indicated that the primary task of the new system would be the strengthening of Kyrgyzstan,s national security and territorial integrity. He spoke of a need to further develop relations among the Central Asian nations, and to continue fighting against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and international crime. Bakiyev again pitched "The Bishkek Initiative" as a forum for addressing the security and stability of Afghanistan, but provided no new details. ¶4. (C) Economically, Bakiyev cited the location of Kyrgyzstan and its ability to play a transit and logistics role as a potential resource. He noted that the development of logistical and transport services would not only benefit this particular sector, but also lead to the development of other spheres of the economy. The President cited the need to create a more favorable environment for the attraction of foreign investment, to remove obstacles that limit economic and commercial cooperation, and to continue accepting foreign assistance. Bakiyev spoke briefly about the need for regional cooperation, including the sharing of water and energy resources, and the importance of improving the educational and social structures of Kyrgyzstan. In closing, Bakiyev reinforced the role of the MFA as the primary implementer of foreign policy, and asked that the State Minister of Foreign Affairs submit drafts of a new concept addressing the above objectives. Continued Reforms in 2010 -------------- ¶5. (C) During President Bakiyev,s annual televised New Year,s Eve greeting, he spoke briefly of the need to continue the major government reforms started in 2009. The President specifically emphasized the reforms, goals to grow the economy and improve the healthcare and educational systems. Bakiyev stated that the Government would take BISHKEK 00000037 002 OF 002 actions in 2010 to ensure that every family grew stronger and more prosperous. Comment -------------- ¶6. (C) While rather general, the President,s speech on a new foreign policy doctrine may evince a desire to move away from some long-standing policies that, while beneficial to countries such as Russia, may not be in Kyrgyzstan,s best interest. While the President said in his speech that the MFA would develop the new doctrine, different sources indicate that others, such as the head of the Presidential Secretariat, Oksana Malevanaya, may be playing a more significant role. GFOELLER