In UN address, Kyrgyzstan pledges full commitment to combat terrorism

Addressing a range of issues before the United Nations General Assembly today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Erlan Abdyldayev, welcomed the new 2030 Agenda, stressed the right of each State to development and underscored the need to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

“Kyrgyzstan strongly condemns all acts of terrorism irrespective of their motivation, whenever and by whoever committed,” he said. “Terrorism may have roots and causes, but they will never be justified.”

He said that various extremist and terrorist organizations, after consolidating their power under a single ideology, are also birthing powerful criminal activities with a wide network of like-minded people.

“In this regard, we believe that the concept of countering extremism should not be considered limited only to addressing violent methods used. The concept must also include preventive measures to reduce the influence of harmful ideologies.”

He said that Kyrgyzstan was fully committed to constructive engagement all national, regional and international levels in the fight against terrorism.

Mr. Abdyldayev went on to address the situation in the Middle East, which he said was “torn by protracted conflicts and sectarian violence,” and urged the parties concerned to “start direct negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations in order to reach a political solution to the problems.”

Turning his attention to his own region, he said Central Asia needs to solve border issues, promote regional security, pass trade liberalization roles, ensure safe transit over interstate roads and railway lines, and address the shared use of water resources.

“It should be noted that in implementing the national development of Kyrgyzstan, the main focus will be given to hydropower potential development, as a basis of sustainable development,” he said.

He also noted some of his country’s accomplishments in recent years, including the fact that the World Bank moved Kyrgyzstan up to the category of middle income countries in 2014. Mr. Abdyldayev said that Kyrgyzstan had been conducting an “uncompromising fight against corruption,” enjoyed a free press and had an active civil society.

In his concluding remarks, he said that “we must unite the common efforts of the Member States of the United Nations in dealing with global challenges and threats to international security and sustainable development,” adding that “for its part, Kyrgyzstan will always act actively and responsibly in the United Nations with the aim of supporting its activities and joint solutions to global problems.”