A round table titled "Muratbek Imanaliev: His Professional Path and Contribution to the Development of the SCO" was held in Bishkek in honor of the 70th anniversary of the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan after gaining independence. Muratbek Sansyzbaevich Imanaliev, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador, as well as the former Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, played a significant role in shaping national diplomacy and international cooperation.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats, employees of international organizations, academic experts, and veterans of the diplomatic service. A photo exhibition was organized in the hall, showcasing the life and career of the diplomat, covering important moments of his public service, including the formation of independent Kyrgyzstan, the development of relations with China, work in the SCO, and the promotion of a multi-vector foreign policy. The photographs also captured meetings with world leaders and significant events in international cooperation.
The round table was moderated by Lydia Imanalieva, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic and professor at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. She emphasized the importance of the honoree for the country.
- Today we celebrate a special day, – she said. – Muratbek Sansyzbaevich is not only an outstanding statesman and diplomat of international level but also a person with whom many of us share years of cooperation, difficult negotiations, and mutual trust.
Lydia Imanalieva noted that Imanaliev's professional career was largely defined by his high education and scientific approach.
- Studying at the Institute of Asian and African Countries at Moscow State University and postgraduate studies at the Leningrad Institute of Oriental Studies laid the foundation for his analytical abilities. With a PhD in History and knowledge of Chinese and French, he successfully combines scientific depth with diplomatic practice.
According to her, while state awards testify to the diplomat's merits, his main achievement lies in creating a professional school of Kyrgyz diplomacy.
- This school is based on an analytical approach, respect for partners, and strategic thinking.
The rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ruslan Rakhimov, also noted Imanaliev's contribution to the development of the scientific and analytical potential of the foreign policy agency and the educational process.
- Work in the Chinese direction and participation in the Shanghai process hold a special place in your career. Your contribution to the development of the analytical direction of our academy is invaluable, – he noted.
He reminded that the Center for Analysis of International Relations, established at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and headed by Imanaliev, became an important platform for in-depth study of international processes.
- The Center provided scientific and analytical support to the Ministry and other state bodies, developed forecasts and recommendations, and facilitated international cooperation among experts. This laid the foundation for the modern diplomatic process.
The rector added that Muratbek Imanaliev's contribution significantly goes beyond institutional decisions.
- He created an atmosphere in which diplomacy is perceived not only as a practice of negotiations but also as an intellectual activity requiring analysis and strategic thinking.
Ruslan Rakhimov also announced the establishment of a scholarship named after Muratbek Imanaliev.
- This is not just a sign of recognition but a symbol of the continuity of generations. We strive for future diplomats of Kyrgyzstan to adhere to the high standard of professionalism set by the honoree.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Almaz Imangaziev, emphasized the importance of Muratbek Imanaliev in shaping the foreign policy of independent Kyrgyzstan.
- The anniversary of Muratbek Sansyzbaevich is an opportunity to recall the difficult and responsible times in the history of our country when an independent foreign policy was being formed. At that time, many had to do things for the first time, without ready-made templates and experience, often in conditions of limited resources and uncertainty.
He then spoke about Imanaliev's work as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- He was at the origins of creating the diplomatic service of the state, determining foreign policy priorities, building relationships with partners, ensuring international recognition of Kyrgyzstan, and creating a professional diplomatic school.
The Deputy Minister noted that thanks to these efforts, Kyrgyzstan quickly established diplomatic relations with dozens of countries and joined the UN and other international structures.
- It was then that the country confidently declared itself on the international stage, – he added.
Speaking about multilateral cooperation, Imangaziev highlighted Imanaliev's activities in the SCO.
- From 2010 to 2012, while serving as Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, he contributed to strengthening coordination among member states and expanding cooperation in security and humanitarian areas. Many mechanisms developed then continue to work successfully today.
He specifically highlighted Kyrgyz-Chinese relations.
- Thanks to his skills and understanding of Chinese negotiation culture, it was possible to successfully complete one of the most sensitive stages of delimitation and demarcation of the state border, laying the foundations for long-term good-neighborly relations.
The Deputy Minister also noted the importance of his contribution to training personnel.
- With his assistance, the Center for Training and Advanced Training of Diplomats was established, which became the basis for the establishment of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2001.
He emphasized Imanaliev's scientific and analytical activities.
- As a scholar and analyst, he is the author of more than a hundred scientific and journalistic works on international relations and geopolitics, which contributed to strengthening Kyrgyzstan's intellectual presence on the international stage.
In conclusion, Almaz Imangaziev noted:
- Muratbek Imanaliev is distinguished by his thoughtfulness, strategic thinking, and ability to consider different viewpoints, which makes his contribution to modern Kyrgyz diplomacy invaluable. His legacy serves as a benchmark for new diplomats, and his influence on Kyrgyzstan's foreign policy remains relevant in a changing world.
