10 December 2001

U.S.-Kyrgyz Relationship; Weather Forces Powell Trip Cancellation

Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed his regrets by telephone to Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev over the cancellation of his visit to Bishkek due to "extremely inclement weather conditions," State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said December 10.

"The Secretary is grateful for the concrete ways President Akayev and the Kyrgyz Republic are acting to eliminate the international terrorist network, and looks forward to increased future bilateral cooperation," Boucher said.

Following is Boucher's statement:

Secretary of State Colin Powell expresses his sincere appreciation to the Kyrgyz Government and people for their extensive efforts to prepare for his visit to the Kyrgyz Republic on December 8. The Secretary deeply regrets that the visit had to be cancelled due to unforeseen and extremely inclement weather conditions in the capital city of Bishkek.

In a telephone conversation with President Akayev, Secretary Powell explained why it was not possible to make the stop in Bishkek as planned. The Secretary intends to schedule another visit to the Kyrgyz Republic in the future, and has invited a Kyrgyz economic delegation to visit the United States in January to review ways our countries can enhance economic development and security in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The close U.S.-Kyrgyz relationship has broadened and deepened since the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. We are cooperating on a range of key issues, including the campaign against terrorism and the immediate and long-term challenges of rebuilding a post-Taliban Afghanistan. The Secretary is grateful for the concrete ways President Akayev and the Kyrgyz Republic are acting to eliminate the international terrorist network, and looks forward to increased future bilateral cooperation.