By Ednan Karabaev - 8th December 2008
Each state formulates its own energy policy, which is why the term ‘energy diplomacy’ long ago became an instrument of foreign policy
Kyrgyz foreign minister Ednan Karabaev
Today we can state with confidence that cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the EU is entering a new stage of development within the context of Central Asia-EU relations, as well as on a bilateral basis.
This mainstreaming is the practical implementation of the rapt attention of the president of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, to European foreign policy. A roadmap for our cooperation for the period 2007-2013 was drawn up with the adoption of the EU strategy for Central Asia in June last year.
This year, the EU and Central Asian countries have moved from a conceptual basis of relations to the practical realisation of mutually beneficial projects in the framework of the abovementioned strategy.
In the context of the EU’s assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic, joint work on the selection and effective realisation of projects is currently underway. These projects will aid the Kyrgyz Republic with €55m from 2007 to 2010.
At the same time, the intensity of contacts between European and Kyrgyz official bodies has been growing. In October last year, the EU’s high representative for common foreign and security policy, Javier Solana, visited Kyrgyzstan for the first time. The visit of the European commission’s director general for external relations, Eneko Landaburu, took place in June 2007.
The meetings of the cooperation councils and committees, and the trade and investment subcommittee, are conducted on an annual basis. In June this year I visited the EU institutions in Brussels.
In October a delegation of the European parliament visited Kyrgyzstan and participated in the work of a recurrent session of the Kyrgyz Republic-EU parliamentary cooperation committee. The special representative of the EU, Pierre Morel, regularly visits Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan.
The most important events within the framework of the EU strategy for Central Asia were the first forum on security in Central Asia, at ministerial level, in Paris in September; the first meeting of the EU-Kyrgyz Republic human rights dialogue in Bishkek in October; and the first meeting on rule of law, with the participation of EU and Central Asian ministers for justice.
The participation of the Kyrgyz delegation in the meetings between the EU troika and foreign ministers of the Central Asian states deserves a special mention. Meetings in such a format have already become a firm tradition, with discussions taking place on a wide range of cooperation issues.
Regarding the particular importance of the water energy sector for Central Asia, let me share my vision of some issues of regional cooperation, where, in my opinion, the participation of the EU is desirable.
As it is well known, at all times the energy industry has been a foundation of national economy and, as a result, the basis for intergovernmental relations. Each state formulates its own energy policy, which is why the term “energy diplomacy” long ago became an instrument of foreign policy.
Energy interests are the foundation of international relations and have a binding effect on the formation of the world order.
Today there is a strong need to elaborate a consolidated decision on the hydropower potential of the region, considering the interests of each state. In this regard, the president of the Kyrgyz Republic has proposed to hold a meeting on water energy issues, which will create a platform for the discussion and elaboration of a consistent policy on the reasonable and effective use of water resources.
The prospective results of such a meeting include the working out of a complex approach to define and solve issues in energy industries, and the formation of a regional water energy policy, including the exportation of energy to south Asia. This event is planned to be held on a high level, with the participation of all interested states and representatives of international organisations.
It is high time for Central Asia to solve the scientifically applied tasks of using water energy resources in the region. Thus, it is essential to create a scientific and educational centre for training personnel to manage cross-border water resources between the Central Asian countries.
In order to realise this task, the president of the Kyrgyz Republic initiated the regional water energy academy. Kyrgyzstan appreciates the support of the European parliament, which, in its resolution from 20 February this year, supported the creation of such an academy for all states in Central Asia.
I would like to particularly underline that the issue of the rational and mutually beneficial use of water energy resources in Central Asia has a profound effect on the prospects for development, security and stability in the whole region. In terms of globalisation and interdependence, there is a strong need to make joint efforts to solve emerging difficulties.
Therefore, cooperation with the EU on this issue is of particular importance.
