Sovereign Kyrgyzstan is an equal member of the international community. One of the most important tasks of any sovereign state is to establish equal relations with other countries of the world. Remember, could Kyrgyzstan independently engage with foreign states during the Soviet era? Did they recognize Kyrgyzstan as a sovereign independent state? Of course not. Because at that time, Kyrgyzstan was considered just a part of the great power of the USSR. Only after the proclamation of independence on August 31, 1991, did other countries of the world begin to recognize it. However, Kyrgyzstan officially gained freedom after the dissolution of the USSR and the resignation of the President of the USSR M. S. Gorbachev (December 25, 1991).
The first to recognize Kyrgyzstan as a sovereign state were the USA and Turkey. On February 1, 1992, the US Embassy opened in Bishkek, followed by the Turkish Embassy on March 28, and later the embassies of China, Russia, and Germany. An active international dialogue began: leaders of foreign states started arriving in Bishkek for official visits, and at their invitation, the President of Kyrgyzstan Askar Akayev and other high-ranking officials made reciprocal visits. In the 9 years of independence, 135 countries recognized the republic. Diplomatic relations were established with 96 states. About 20 foreign embassies and representations opened in Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan has embassies and representations in 20 countries around the world.
Kyrgyzstan and global organizations. Today, many states strive to solve their problems together. To this end, they create international organizations. Only independent and sovereign countries can be members of such organizations. The proclamation of independence by Kyrgyzstan allowed it to join these authoritative organizations. March 2, 1992, became a very important event for young sovereign Kyrgyzstan — at the 46th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UN), Kyrgyzstan was unanimously accepted as a member of the UN. Kyrgyzstan now participates equally in initiatives at the sessions of this leading international organization, supporting the initiatives and proposals of other members. At the 52nd session of the UN General Assembly, Kyrgyzstan's proposal to declare 2002 as the International Year of Mountains was adopted. This indicates that Kyrgyzstan managed to draw the world's attention to the problems of mountainous regions and the people living there.
In 1992, Kyrgyzstan became a member of another prestigious global organization — UNESCO, whose goal is the preservation, protection, and development of the world's cultural heritage. UNESCO provides significant support for the development of culture, science, and education in Kyrgyzstan. The celebration of historical events in the cultural life of the Kyrgyz people, such as the 1000th anniversary of the epic "Manas" in 1995, the 3000th anniversary of the city of Osh, and the year 2000, took place with the support of this organization.
Currently, Kyrgyzstan is a member of over 40 international organizations, and more than 30 of them have opened their representations in Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan closely cooperates with major financial organizations — the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Asian Development Bank. In the fall of 1998, Kyrgyzstan was the first among the CIS countries to join the World Trade Organization.
Kyrgyzstan in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). After the collapse of the USSR, the republics that were part of it became independent. However, it was impossible to sever the political, economic, and cultural ties that had developed over decades overnight. Take just one example. Cars were assembled at an auto assembly plant in Kyrgyzstan. Engines were supplied from Russia, wheels from Belarus, steering systems from Kazakhstan, and other parts from other republics. Only finished cars were produced here. Factories and plants in other republics operated in the same way. Therefore, everyone understands the necessity of continuing partnership relations. On December 21, 1991, the leaders of 11 former union republics gathered in the capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty, and, recognizing each other's independence and sovereignty, formed the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The goal of this union is to preserve, develop, and deepen equal cooperation in all spheres of life of the republics.
In accordance with this, as well as with other treaties adopted in subsequent years, Kyrgyzstan is today an equal member of the CIS.
Directions of Kyrgyzstan's foreign policy. Kyrgyzstan is a peace-loving state striving to build a democratic, legal society. In its foreign policy activities, Kyrgyzstan consistently adheres to the principles of inviolability of borders, peaceful resolution of interstate conflicts, strengthening multilateral ties with CIS countries and other countries of the world, and developing mutually beneficial economic and cultural integration. Firmly pursuing a policy of neutrality, the republic does not join military blocs and alliances.
Placing great importance on the principles of peace and good neighborliness, Kyrgyzstan has concluded treaties of eternal friendship with Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Russia.
The desire to resolve mutual problems peacefully has allowed Kyrgyzstan to reach an agreement with the People's Republic of China on a disputed border issue that dates back 30 years. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan officially declared in 1998 that there were no disputes between them regarding border issues. Remaining border issues from the Soviet era with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are being clarified. Russian border troops have been completely withdrawn from Kyrgyzstan. Within the framework of the "Partnership for Peace" program, cooperation is being carried out with NATO (a military alliance that includes several Western countries).
Kyrgyzstan has actively participated in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and in restoring civil peace and harmony in Tajikistan. Kyrgyzstan has appealed to the United Nations with an initiative to hold an international conference in Bishkek to end the armed confrontation in Afghanistan. All these political steps and peace-loving initiatives of the republic find understanding and support from the global community, strengthening its authority in the region and the world.
