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The Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) organized a conference focused on deepening students' knowledge and experience in the field of international relations.

Prior to the conference, Muratbek Azymbakiev—Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Swiss Confederation, as well as Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland—met with the Rector of KTMU, Professor Alpaslan Ceylan. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Rector, Prof. Dr Almaz Ibraev. During the visit, information about KTMU's educational and academic activities was presented, along with an introduction video of the university.

Following the meeting, the conference took place in the Kasym Tynystanov Hall of the Faculty of Humanities. Discussions covered topics such as geopolitics, geoeconomics, Kyrgyzstan's place in international relations, as well as the challenges and opportunities in shaping the country's international image. The event was attended by Deputy Rector, Prof. Dr Almaz Ibraev, Vice Rector Professor Kamalbek Karymshakov, faculty members, and students.

Deputy Rector Ibraev: "A single word you hear today could change your life"

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Deputy Rector Almaz Ibraev highlighted KTMU's position on the international stage. He noted that alongside academic education, the university provides students with opportunities to meet experienced professionals in their respective fields.

Emphasizing that Muratbek Azymbakiev's diplomatic experience represents a major opportunity for students, Ibraev stressed the importance of hearing directly from experts with real-world experience, especially for those studying international relations.

Encouraging students to pay close attention to the conference and ask questions on topics that interest them, Ibraev said: "Inspired by what Muratbek Azymbakiev says today, you might make a decision that changes your life."

Ibraev also highlighted Azymbakiev's book, “Bridges, Not Walls: Notes of a Diplomat. Honestly About the Complex”, focusing on the core message behind its title. "We must build bridges, not walls. What do walls do? They create obstacles, divide, and separate. And what do bridges do? They unite," he noted.

Azymbakiev: "We cannot separate geopolitics from geoeconomics"

Speaking at the conference, Muratbek Azymbakiev touched upon the relationship between geopolitics and geoeconomics, noting that modern international relations have become increasingly complex.

Azymbakiev explained that geopolitics is closely tied to a country's geographical location, its neighbors, and the balance of power around it, whereas geoeconomics involves using tools such as trade, investment, transport, energy, finance, and technology to achieve economic and strategic goals. He emphasized that today, these two domains cannot be treated separately.

Citing examples related to border checkpoints with China, transport routes, and new infrastructure projects, Azymbakiev underscored that economic projects simultaneously encompass security and foreign policy matters.

"A multi-vector foreign policy means the necessity of building relations with everyone"

Focusing on the importance of relations with neighboring countries in Kyrgyzstan's foreign policy, Azymbakiev stated that while it is impossible to change a country's geography, smart policy can turn it into an advantage.

Underlining the necessity of developing relations with various countries, Azymbakiev said: "A multi-vector foreign policy does not mean being pulled in different directions. A multi-vector policy means the necessity of building relations with everyone."

Noting that trust-based relations with neighboring countries reinforce Kyrgyzstan's international standing, Azymbakiev highlighted that cooperation among Central Asian countries is particularly vital for the region's future.

"Everything is in our hands"  

In his address, Azymbakiev emphasized the importance of education, knowledge, sound decision-making, and human resources in national development, stressing the need to effectively utilize Kyrgyzstan's natural and human potential.

Drawing examples from the development experiences of various nations, Azymbakiev noted that Kyrgyzstan does not have to merely replicate the paths taken by others; instead, it can develop its own unique model tailored to its specific conditions.

Highlighting the vital role of youth in the country's future, Azymbakiev said: "Everything is in our hands. What we can achieve and how we implement it depends entirely on us. There is nothing beyond our reach."

"Where trust is established, success follows"

Emphasizing that trust is a decisive factor in international relations, Azymbakiev remarked that inter-state relations are shaped not only by political and economic interests, but also on the foundation of mutual trust.

Pointing out the importance of Kyrgyzstan being a reliable partner for various states and international organizations, Azymbakiev stated: "Where trust is established, success follows."

In his concluding remarks, Azymbakiev spoke about his book “Bridges, Not Walls”, noting that in addition to his diplomatic experiences, it contains his evaluations regarding the future of Kyrgyzstan and the role of the younger generation in developing the country. He shared his view that in international relations, Kyrgyzstan can act as a country that brings different sides together rather than driving people apart.

The conference concluded with a Q&A session with the students.