At the Kyrgyz National Academy of Sciences Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic 12 July 2003 In Russian

Speech by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson President, Excellencies, Distinguished members of the National Academy of Sciences, Ladies and Gentlemen, The scientists of this country have greatly contributed to cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and NATO, and I am delighted to receive the Honourable membership of the Kyrgyz National Academy of Sciences. My pleasure is even greater as I am able to address several universities through the “Virtual Silk Highway”. President Akaev inaugurated your country’s link to this project last January. There are now six countries throughout the Caucasus and Central Asia where people can better communicate across the world. The project also demonstrates NATO’s vision of regional cooperation as a building block for stability and security. Today’s challenges, be they environmental problems, natural disasters, organised crime or terrorism, transcend borders. Cooperation to tackle them must also be across the borders. Ladies and gentlemen, NATO has transformed itself fundamentally since the end of the Cold War. And our 2002 Prague Summit provided the blueprint for our Alliance in the 21st Century. First, new members. The current round of enlargement comprises seven countries, including three former Soviet Union states. The enlarged NATO will be even closer to its objective of bringing about a Europe whole and free. Second, new missions well beyond the Alliance’s traditional boundaries. During my last visit three years ago I discussed with Kyrgyz officials the safe haven the Taliban provided for terrorists in Afghanistan. Then nobody could imagine that NATO would play a role in the stabilisation of that country. The terrorist attacks of 11 September fundamentally changed our security perceptions. It was understood that our security was linked closely to security in remote areas. Last April NATO decided to take over the International Security Assistance Force. This will provide continuity for the mission and help the Afghan authorities to consolidate their authority. Third, new partnerships. NATO is in the core of a wide web of partnerships ranging from the 46-nation Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, to our Mediterranean Dialogue, to the European Union and our special relationships with Russia and Ukraine. The Kyrgyz Republic is a key Partner of NATO. Our cooperation has steadily grown. But we can do much more together and I look at you, the political and intellectual leaders and the young generation of this country, to exploit the full potential of that cooperation.