OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid has kindly agreed to answer questions of Kabar News Agency.
"Kabar": Secretary General Schmid, could you tell us a little bit about the history of relations between the OSCE and Kyrgyzstan, how it has been from the point of view of the organization. In this context, what is special about of the OSCE's relations with Kyrgyzstan?
Schmid: Since Kyrgyzstan joined the OSCE in 1992, we have co-operated on a wide range of issues, making full use of the OSCE’s toolbox, including on arms control, organized crime, migration, environmental protection and strengthening of democracy. The OSCE also assisted Kyrgyzstan in times of crisis, such as after the events of 2010 as well as during the outbreak and spread of COVID-19.
Most recently, in terms of COVID-19 support, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek reinforced public safety activities. Specifically, they supported Mobile Police Reception vehicles during the lockdown and local grassroots community initiatives focusing on humanitarian assistance distribution. OSCE Partners received personal protective equipment to ensure health and safety during the exercising of their important functions and the OSCE office assisted in mitigating socio-economic shocks through Entrepreneurship Support Centres in the regions of the country.
The OSCE, with its multidimensional concept of common, comprehensive, co-operative and indivisible security, is well equipped to address the new security challenges that have emerged in the OSCE region in recent years. The transnational character of some threats demands that States work together to respond. Kyrgyzstan continues to work with us as an important participating State of the OSCE and a key regional actor in Central Asia to address these emerging security challenges.
- What important issues remain on the agenda of the two sides? What is the view of the bilateral ties from Vienna at this point in time?
- For nearly three decades, the OSCE has been committed to supporting Kyrgyzstan in the implementation of its commitments in all three dimensions of security: across political, economic and human dimensions. The Organization further strengthened its co-operation with the country when the OSCE opened a field presence in 1998.
I have only taken the office some weeks ago but I already met with Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to the OSCE Bakyt Dzhusupov.
Here in Vienna, representatives of participating States meet weekly at the Permanent Council. We not only discuss priorities and initiatives of individual countries, but also pressing security-related issues common for the OSCE region as well, and Kyrgyzstan’s contribution is important to such discussions.
I am a strong believer in the important role that multilateralism plays and how we can work together to improve our collective security situations. The active participation of Kyrgyzstan in this forum is critical, especially as we search for solutions to problems that see no borders like countering violent extremism, environmental security, and countering the trafficking of human beings.
The security of each participating State is inseparably linked to the security of all others. That is what the work in Vienna is about, making sure this bond is strong and dialogue constant.
- Kyrgyzstan has experienced dramatic moments during its years of independence. How does the organization view the state of development in Kyrgyzstan?
- For the OSCE, as a security organization, stability and human security are important.
One of the central roles of the OSCE is to assist participating States in strengthening state institutions, making them more responsive and accountable to the needs of people.
We are closely following national processes in Kyrgyzstan and work in co-operation with the national authorities implementing projects in all three security dimensions.
It is important to note that Kyrgyzstan has a vibrant and strong civil society. In the past years, we have seen the rise of a new young generation of politically active and responsible citizens. Youth have an incredible potential for fostering peace, and their voices must be heard.
I also want to congratulate the efforts the Government has made towards the establishment of an inclusive green economy. This is important for improving the well-being of citizens, reducing risks to the environment and preserving the country’s natural ecosystems. Ultimately, improvements in the environmental situation result in improved security for citizens.
Sustainable development is not easy, but Kyrgyzstan is on the right path to making it happen.
- In the OSCE’s view, in which dimension has Kyrgyzstan moved forward?
- Today’s security challenges are more complex than ever before. And to deal with them effectively, we need to have a comprehensive approach that cuts across the politico-military, economic, environmental, and human dimensions.
Kyrgyzstan has made progress in many areas. Security reform is well on the way and the task to restore citizens’ trust in government bodies is making progress.
Ahead of International Women’s Day – it is very important to highlight progress in promoting gender equality, a subject very close to my heart. In this regard, I would like to mention the work of the Kyrgyz Association of Women in Security Sector (KAWSS), which the OSCE helped establish in 2017. The Association unites women working in Kyrgyzstan’s law enforcement agencies, security, and law and order sectors.
This network aims to promote women’s equal participation in the security sector by improving capacity, creating additional opportunities for women, and exchanging best practices and expertise with national and international counterparts - its important work must continue.
- What promising projects are planned by the Organization in Kyrgyzstan?
The Programme Office in Bishkek, in partnership with the government, civil society, media, business community and other international organizations in the country, is doing a lot of work on many issues. Building the capacity of the country’s authorities in community policing and ensuring public safety is especially important now during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, the Programme Office in Bishkek plans to reinforce its support to the host country’s efforts in the economic development in the regions, improving the electoral system, increasing transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts through digitalization and open government. This includes expanding the “Tunduk” platform that enables interconnection of state institutions through a single digital network, and preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.
- How does the OSCE work on promoting co-operation between Central Asian states?
- The increased regional co-operation over the last years is offering new opportunities for enhancing stability and improving economic development in the region.
The OSCE fully supports this dynamic,particularly in areas such as countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, promoting good governance, connectivity, security and economic co-operation, including with Afghanistan.
The OSCE, with its presences in all five Central Asian participating States, stands ready to support inter-regional engagement.
With regard to the OSCE’s work supporting regional co-operation, I would like to mention the OSCE Academy, an important regional flagship initiative that attracts young people from all Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, Mongolia and throughout the OSCE region.
The OSCE Academy is a prime example of engaging young people in promoting security and stability. As an institution of higher learning, it provides an important platform for youth in the region to engage on common issues.
The Academy offers two Masters programmes, one on politics and security and the other on economic governance and development. So far, over 500 students have graduated from the Academy.
I had the pleasure to address some of them via video link - I was very proud of their achievement. And I hope to come and visit as soon as COVID-19 allows.
Kabar News Agency
March 5, 2021
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