A round table was held in Bishkek to discuss the professional path and achievements of Muratbek Imanaliev — the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan after gaining independence and former Secretary-General of the SCO. The event was dedicated to his 70th anniversary and focused on his significant contribution to the development of national diplomacy and international cooperation.
Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats, employees of international organizations, experts, and veterans of the diplomatic service attended the round table. A photo exhibition was organized as part of the event, showcasing Imanaliev's life journey, including important stages of his work: the establishment of independent Kyrgyzstan, the development of relations with China, activities in the SCO, and the implementation of a multi-vector foreign policy. The exhibition also included photographs of meetings with world leaders and important moments of international cooperation.
Lydia Imanalieva, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic and a professor at the Diplomatic Academy, served as the moderator of the round table and emphasized the significance of the honoree.
- Today is an important day for us. Muratbek Sansyzbaevich is not only an outstanding politician and diplomat of international level but also a person with whom many of us share years of joint work and trust, - she noted.
She added that Imanaliev's career path was largely determined by his deep education and academic training.
- His studies at the Institute of Asian and African Countries of Moscow State University and his postgraduate studies at the Leningrad Institute of Oriental Studies of the USSR Academy of Sciences laid the foundation for his analytical thinking. As a historian and orientalist fluent in Chinese and French, he managed to combine academic knowledge with practical diplomatic experience.
According to her, while state awards and international recognition highlight the diplomat's merits, the most significant achievement remains the establishment of a professional school of Kyrgyz diplomacy.
- This school is based on an analytical approach, respect for partners, and strategic thinking, - she added.
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 analytical work in the foreign ministry and the education of diplomats.
- Your work in the Chinese direction and participation in the Shanghai process are of particular importance. For our academy, it is important that you have made a significant contribution to the development of its analytical component, - he emphasized.
He also noted that the Center for Analysis of International Relations, established at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Imanaliev's leadership, became a place for in-depth study of international processes.
- The center provided scientific support for the Ministry and other government bodies, developed forecasts and recommendations, and facilitated international expert cooperation. Thus, an intellectual foundation was laid, without which modern diplomacy is impossible, - he added.
According to the rector, Muratbek Imanaliev's contribution significantly exceeds the framework of institutional decisions.
- He created an environment in which diplomats view their work not only as a negotiation process but also as an intellectual activity requiring deep analysis and strategic thinking, - he noted.
He also announced the establishment of a scholarship named after Muratbek Imanaliev.
- This is not just a sign of recognition of merits but a symbol of continuity of generations. We hope that future diplomats of Kyrgyzstan will strive for the high level of professionalism set by the honoree, - he added.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Almaz Imangaziev emphasized the important role of Muratbek Imanaliev in shaping the foreign policy of independent Kyrgyzstan.
- The anniversary of Muratbek Sansyzbaevich is an opportunity to remember the difficult and responsible years when our independent foreign policy was being formed. We did many things for the first time, often under conditions of limited resources and uncertainty, - he noted.
He then drew attention to his work at the head of the foreign ministry.
- When he headed the ministry, it was not just managing the department but creating an entire system of diplomacy: defining foreign policy priorities and building relationships with partners, - he added.
Speaking about the results of this period, the deputy minister noted:
- Thanks to these efforts, Kyrgyzstan quickly established diplomatic relations with many countries and became a member of the UN and other international organizations.
He emphasized that it was during this period that the country confidently asserted itself on the international stage.
- Kyrgyzstan quickly reached a global level, offering its vision in international affairs. Many decisions made during that time remain the foundation of our foreign policy today, - he added.
Discussing multilateral cooperation, Almaz Imangaziev highlighted Imanaliev's activities in the SCO.
- In 2010-2012, while serving as Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, he contributed to strengthening coordination among member states and developing cooperation in security and humanitarian areas. Many mechanisms established then continue to work effectively today, - he noted.
He separately emphasized the Kyrgyz-Chinese direction.
- Thanks to his professionalism and deep understanding of Chinese negotiation culture, it was possible to successfully complete the delimitation and demarcation of the Kyrgyz-Chinese state border, laying the foundations for stable relations for many years to come, - he added.
Speaking about personnel training, the deputy minister noted:
- His contribution to the training and preparation of diplomats is also very important. Thanks to his efforts, the Center for Training and Advanced Training of Diplomatic Personnel was established, which became the basis for the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2001.
He also highlighted the scientific and analytical activities of the diplomat.
- Imanaliev is the author of more than a hundred scientific and journalistic works on international relations and geopolitics, which strengthens Kyrgyzstan's intellectual presence on the international stage, - he added.
In conclusion, Almaz Imangaziev noted:
- The professionalism of Muratbek Imanaliev is characterized by a balanced approach, strategic thinking, and the ability to consider different viewpoints in defending national interests. These qualities have become the foundation of the modern Kyrgyz diplomatic school, and his legacy continues to serve as a guide for the new generation of diplomats. Imanaliev's contribution to shaping foreign policy and strengthening Kyrgyzstan's international authority remains relevant in today's world.
