    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [September 23, 2002]
    [Pages 1643-1644]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1643]]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Askar
    Akayev on the Relationship Between the United
    States of America and the Kyrgyz Republic
    September 23, 2002

        We declare our commitment to strengthen the long-term, strategic
    partnership and cooperation between our nations, desiring to promote a
    shared vision for the 21st century of a peaceful, prosperous, and
    sovereign Kyrgyz Republic that is increasingly integrated into the
    global economy and the community of democratic nations.
        We reaffirm our deep appreciation for the strong relations that have
    been established between our two countries based on mutual respect and
    the common goals of stability, peace, and prosperity. We will advance
    our cooperation on democratic political and free-market economic
    reforms, and the development of the resources of the Kyrgyz Republic and
    its people. We affirm that these political and economic reforms are a
    necessary condition to ensure political, social, and economic stability;
    sustainable development; prosperity; and national security.
        We recognize that the threats of terrorism, trafficking of
    narcotics, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction endanger the
    security not only of the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic, but also
    of the Central Asian region and the world at large. We, therefore, seek
    to develop our security cooperation to address these challenges and
    foster cooperation among the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic, its
    Central Asian neighbors, the other regional powers, and our European
    partners.
        Recognizing the essential role that the Kyrgyz Republic plays in the
    war against terrorism, we declare our intention to cooperate in this war
    to its conclusion and within the framework of the international
    coalition. We emphasize our support for the Afghan Transitional
    Administration and the goal that it be at peace internally and with its
    neighbors and integrated into the regional and international economic
    structures. We also express our readiness to support Afghanistan's
    reconstruction and the development of its natural and human resources.
        In the spirit of partnership, the Kyrgyz Republic and the United
    States intend to strengthen joint activity to ensure security and
    stability in Central Asia. We agree that the expansion of trade and
    economic ties among the states of Central Asia, and deepening of
    regional integration in important areas such as the environment, water
    resources, and transportation systems, are a basis for regional security
    and prosperity. The United States is enhancing assistance programs to
    the Kyrgyz Republic to strengthen border security and to increase the
    defensive capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic.
        We recognize that free-market economies, democratic political
    systems, and the rule of law provide the most effective means to advance
    the welfare of our citizens and the stability of our societies. The
    United States and the Kyrgyz Republic pledge to develop further our
    bilateral trade and investment relations, including through expanded
    contacts between the business communities of our countries. We are
    united in our mutual efforts to cooperate to accelerate the development
    of an attractive, transparent, and predictable investment climate in the
    Kyrgyz Republic. Achieving this goal requires the removal of legislative
    and administrative barriers to investment, strengthening respect for
    contracts and the rule of law, reducing corruption, and enhancing the
    Kyrgyz Republic's strong record on economic reform.

    [[Page 1644]]

        We reaffirm our commitment to work diligently and on a regular and
    sustained basis in the areas specified in the Memorandum of
    Understanding signed in Washington on February 15, 2002, with the goal
    of strengthening the economic component of our bilateral cooperation. In
    accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, both sides have agreed
    that a high-level Kyrgyz government delegation will visit Washington in
    October 2002 for the purpose of further identifying realistic and
    achievable objectives aimed at accelerating economic reforms and
    development in the Kyrgyz Republic.
        Recognizing that democracy is a cornerstone of long-term stability,
    we reaffirm our desire to strengthen democratic institutions and
    processes, such as civil society, independent media, local government,
    political pluralism, and free and fair elections. We also reaffirm our
    mutual commitments to advance the rule of law and promote freedom of
    religion and other universal human rights as enshrined by the founding
    documents of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and
    Cooperation in Europe, of which we are both members. Finally, we confirm
    our mutual efforts to enhance understanding between the citizens of our
    two countries by promoting people-to-people exchanges, initiatives of
    non-governmental organizations, and contacts between business people.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.