Interview with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Sadyr Zhaparov, on the situation in Afghanistan

President of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Sadyr Zhaparov

"I would appeal to European countries: let's demonstrate how to uphold human rights and develop democracy by recognizing Afghanistan's government and providing them with genuine support. Let's open Afghanistan to the world

At international events and various summits, you often raise the issue of Afghanistan. You mention that the country has found itself in isolation and call for humanitarian assistance. Why are you so concerned about Afghanistan, and does your country provide humanitarian aid to them?

You noticed correctly. At international events, we strive to draw the global community's attention to Afghanistan. As you know, the afghan people have been suffering and facing hardships caused by war and its aftermath for many years. Although our border with Afghanistan is not direct, it adjoins our neighbouring country. Therefore, the worsening situation there concerns us to some extent as well. As you know, in 2021, the leaders of the "Taliban" movement came to power in Afghanistan. 

They continue to govern the country to this day. Whether we like it or not, the fact remains unchanged—the country is ruled by the Taliban. This is an undeniable reality. A number of countries, including ours, have removed the Taliban from the list of banned organizations. Shortly after the Taliban came to power, we established contact with them to provide assistance to the afghan people. We have sent humanitarian aid several times. As I have already mentioned, further escalation of the situation in Afghanistan could have a negative impact on our region. Therefore, we are open about cooperating with the current government of Afghanistan. We provide assistance to the extent that we can. 

Of course, this is not enough. If the Taliban were weak, they would have been overthrown long ago. More than three years have passed. Whether we view it as good or bad, the fact is that they are governing, and they have the support of the people. Currently, they are in near-total isolation. We, as the global community, must understand one crucial thing: isolating Afghanistan from the rest of the world will not solve the problem. On the contrary, the longer this situation persists, the more the Afghan people will endure difficult days. 

When the Taliban came to power in the summer of 2021, as you are aware, the assets of the Afghan Central Bank totalling USD 9.4 billion held abroad were "frozen" by western countries. Of this amount, approximately USD 7 billion is held in the United States. I believe these funds must be returned as soon as possible to improve the situation in Afghanistan and the well-being of the afghan people. For example, these funds could help the current Afghan government not only rebuild its infrastructure but also provide affordable loans to citizens through local banks, develop agriculture, and create opportunities to improve the lives of those living in poverty. Right now, the afghan people are suffering from hunger. Therefore, I take this opportunity to call on the leaders of European countries and the United States to recognize Afghanistan's current government and return the "frozen" assets for the future of the Afghan people. At the initial stage, perhaps Afghanistan's leadership could be invited for a working visit to one or two European countries. If they visit socalled developed countries and see first-hand how people live in various parts of the world, it could positively influence their governance experience. If we continue to isolate them, there won't be any positive outcomes, even after 50 years. Additionally, if European countries or the United States are willing to provide technical assistance to Afghanistan throug various projects or specialized programs, we are ready to help implement these initiatives.

For example? 

For instance, we know that prolonged war and instability have severely impacted Afghanistan's education system. If technical assistance is provided, we are ready to train afghan students in various professions—teachers, customs officers, doctors, and others—within Kyrgyzstan's higher education institutions. Should countries support our proposal, we can quickly develop and begin implementing a detailed plan. We might start with small groups or prepare up to 100 specialists across various fields at once. This could include not only students but also mid-level government employees. The key is that we are eager to help our Afghan brothers and sisters.

That's a good idea. Let's say European countries support your proposal. What gives you confidence in its success? 

In the 1990s, after the Soviet Union collapsed, many countries went through difficult times. It was the beginning of the transition to a market economy. Thousands of young people from Kyrgyzstan had to leave for other countries. A few years later, many of them returned home and successfully applied the knowledge they had gained abroad. For example, in the service industry, they used their expertise to develop hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Bishkek. In agriculture, they introduced advanced technologies, improving both yields and product quality. We all witnessed how these changes bore fruit—factories and plants were built. These were individuals who had left in search of a better life, worked abroad for years, and then brought back their knowledge and skills to benefit their homeland. Now imagine how much more effective it could be for those who undergo specialized training abroad. Developed countries could use this same approach to help Afghanistan. 

Do you think the Taliban will agree to this? 

Of course, they will. This is about the development of their country and improving the lives of their people. They understand that if they don't take care of their nation, they won't be able to stay in power for long. Moreover, Islam places great importance on education and the rights of women. Islam brought hope to the oppressed and dignity and rights to women. The Quran advocates kindness toward women: 

"Treat women (your wives) well. And if you dislike them, be patient. Allah may bring much good through something you dislike." In Islam, knowledge holds a special place. To distinguish truth from falsehood and lawful from forbidden, every Muslim is obliged to seek knowledge. Allah says in the Quran: "Say (O Muhammad!): "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Indeed, only those endowed with reason take heed" (Surah Az-Zumar, Ayah 9). Abu Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: "The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The pursuit of religious knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim—male and female.

" Thus, acquiring knowledge is a duty for every Muslim man and woman. Human rights and democracy are topics that European countries frequently address. I would appeal to them: let's demonstrate how to uphold human rights and develop democracy by recognizing Afghanistan's government and providing them with genuine support. Let's open Afghanistan to the world. If you have serious doubts, impose restrictions with specific conditions and issue visas gradually. This way, they can integrate into the global civilized community. Once they see these societies, their attitudes toward women and girls will evolve.

Otherwise, we must ask: who will bear responsibility for the fate of the Afghan people? It is impossible to reform those who have spent their entire lives fighting, never leaving Afghanistan, through sanctions or isolation. In my opinion, Taliban leaders can only be persuaded through dialogue. The more we engage with them and hold meetings, the greater our influence will be. Afghans belong to the peoples of the East, so a special approach to them may yield positive results.