Officials will be punished for making uncoordinated statements on foreign policy

Kyrgyzstan is tightening control over who speaks on behalf of the state on the international stage and what they say. Sadyr Zhaparov signed a decree stipulating that heads of government agencies will be held personally accountable for unauthorized foreign policy statements, speeches, or actions if they contradict the country’s official position.

The new decree aims to ensure a unified foreign policy for the country and prevent situations in which different government agencies send conflicting messages to foreign partners.

The decree stipulates that only the president, the prime minister, the minister of foreign affairs, and other individuals specifically authorized to do so may make official statements on foreign policy matters. The Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh may speak only on matters of interparliamentary cooperation within the scope of the parliament’s authority.

At the same time, the document holds the heads of state agencies personally accountable for any unauthorized statements, speeches, or actions that contradict Kyrgyzstan’s official position. Specific measures of accountability will be applied in accordance with current legislation.

The decree also significantly strengthens the coordinating role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Specifically, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is designated as the authorized body for implementing a unified foreign policy course. The Ministry will coordinate the international activities of government agencies, harmonize foreign policy initiatives, monitor compliance with the decree’s requirements, and, upon identifying violations, forward relevant information to the Presidential Administration.

In addition, government agencies are required to coordinate annually with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the main directions of their international activities, as well as draft decisions and initiatives affecting foreign policy and national interests. Unless otherwise provided for by international treaties, official correspondence with diplomatic missions of foreign states, their government agencies, and international organizations must also be conducted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Special attention is given to overseas business trips. Government agencies must submit information in advance regarding international events and business trips undertaken by their employees to the “Diplomatic Service” state information system, and agency heads will be personally responsible for ensuring the validity of such trips and their employees’ participation in international events.