(VOVworld) – US Secretary of State John Kerry concluded a 4-day tour of 5 former members of the Former Soviet Union in Central Asia. The visit reflects a US effort to increase its influence in Central Asia.
US Secretary of State John Kerry met Kyrzyz President Almazbek Atambayev on Oct 31, 2015 (photo: AP) |
US Secretary of State John Kerry visited Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The visits followed a Russian warning that Islamist armed forces from Afghanistan are spreading throughout the region. The Afghan situation has blown up beyond expectations and many US partners are attempting to increase their influence in Central Asia.
Security cooperation is key
The US and Central Asian countries have shared concerns, the most pressing one being the fight against IS. Kerry’s agenda comprises several issues in Central Asia, including regional security and combating terrorism. Kerry assured the leaders of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on Tuesday of US support for Central Asian security against the spread of Islamic militancy, even as the US draws down its forces in the region. In a meeting with Tajikistan’s President Imomali Rakhmon, Kerry affirmed the US’s commitment to help Tajikistan beef up border security. He assured Rakhmon that the United States remains committed to a Tajikistan that is sovereign, secure, and prosperous. He vowed closer security and economic cooperation with Tajikistan.
In Kazakhstan, Kerry and Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov co-chaired the 4th meeting of the US-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership Dialogue. Kazakhstan contributes two third of Centpral Asia’s GDP. It is located in a strategic position and possesses plentiful natural resources.
During Kerry’s tour, the US and the 5 Central Asian countries plan to establish a new multilateral mechanism called 5+1. The initiative, if realized, will help the US surpass other countries in strengthening its influence in the region.
Competing with other countries in influence
Central Asia is mentioned in many international diplomatic forums because of its strategic geographic position, huge oil and gas reserves, and proximity to the fight against terrorism.
Central Asia will provide important access to the region after the US withdraws its troops from Afghanistan. From Central Asia the US can exert implicit pressure on nearby countries. Since 1999 the US has been planning to build Central Asia into a new Silk Road, a dynamic economic center connecting Central and Southern Asia. The US troops stationed in Afghanistan in 2001 and then in Kyrgyzstan show the US’s intention to play a significant role in Central Asia. But so far the US has fallen short of its target. US troops have gradually withdrawn from Afghanistan and Manas station in Kyrgyzstan.
Some Central Asian nations are members of security blocs like the Shanghai Security Cooperation and Collective Security Treaty Organization. And other world powers have been showing an interest in the region. Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited 5 Central Asian countries to boost economic cooperation.