07/14/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-10005

U.S.-KAZAKHSTAN COOPERATION

Business and government leaders from the U.S. and Kazakhstan recently met in Kansas to discuss trade and investment opportunities. In a speech to the forum, U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said Kazakhstan has made considerable progress in establishing an open and predictable investment climate. The government has also created the legal and regulatory framework necessary for a market-based economy.

U.S. Senator from Kansas Sam Brownback said increased trade between the U.S. and Kazakhstan serves the greater goals of peace and stability. "Trade with America can be an effective catalyst for the long term viability of the institutions of democracy," he said. Prosperity and civil liberties are extensions of a democratic society. They also help reduce the internal strife and dissatisfaction that can lead to religious extremism.

Trade can also serve as an important tool in the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism. "Strong alliances in trade and investment from the U.S. in Central Asia will allow us to create a model for other Muslim states in the world to move toward democracy and prosperity, rather than [Islamic] extremism and isolation," said Mr. Brownback. The path to prosperity for Kazakhstan and the rest of Central Asia is to work with the U.S.

Indeed, Kazakhstan is already doing that. On July 10^th, the government of President Nursultan Narzarbayev agreed to allow aircraft engaged in the war on terrorism to land at the Almaty international airport in case of emergency. The deal makes Kazakhstan the latest of the former Soviet republics in Central Asia to boost military cooperation with the U.S. since the September 11^th terrorist attacks. Kazakhstan is already allowing coalition forces to use its airspace and is permitting shipment across Kazakhstan of supplies to U.S. forces in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Ultimately, democratization is the best strategy in the fight against terrorism. Freedom, political and economic stability, and respect for rights are critical to keeping the world free of terrorism. A stable government that is accountable to its people and respects their rights can deal more effectively with religious extremists. This is the kind of society the U.S. is striving to help people build in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.