Tokayev and Japarov unveil new monument in Bishkek

Tengrinews.kz - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Sadyr Japarov took part in the official opening ceremony of the Golden Bridge of Friendship monument in Bishkek. The monument is located on the Alley of Friendship between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, citing Akorda.
The monument is dedicated to two prominent writers of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples – Mukhtar Auezov and Chingiz Aitmatov. The project, initiated by the Association of Kazakhs in Kyrgyzstan, was supported by the presidents of both countries.

In his remarks, President Tokayev stressed the special importance of the event for both nations, calling the monument a vivid symbol of the brotherly ties between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and a sign of deep respect from the Kyrgyz people toward the Kazakh people.

“First of all, I want to sincerely thank President Sadyr Japarov and the Kyrgyz people for supporting this initiative. I am confident that the monument of friendship will play an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of Bishkek, a city with a rich history. Last year, in Astana, we opened a monument to Manas the Noble. Such initiatives undoubtedly further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our fraternal countries. Indeed, there are no closer peoples than Kazakhs and Kyrgyz. We are bound by blood and spiritual ties, a shared history and cultural heritage. Our centuries-old friendship has stood the test of time,” said President Tokayev.

He emphasized that both Mukhtar Auezov and Chingiz Aitmatov reflected the deep connection between the two peoples in their works.

Quoting poet Zhambyl, Tokayev recalled: “Our hearts beat as one, we share the same path of friendship and harmony.” He also cited the famous words of Toktogul: “Kazakh brothers – you are my wings.” According to Tokayev, Auezov’s research saved the epic Manas from being forgotten during Soviet times, while Aitmatov himself once said: “There are two national treasures that I always carry with me abroad: Manas and Mukhtar Auezov.”

Tokayev noted that such creative and spiritual synergy reflects the shared values of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples. He added that Aitmatov’s works, such as Jamilya, The White Ship, Mother’s Field, and The Day Lasts More than a Hundred Years, are also an invaluable part of Kazakh literature.
The Kazakh president also pointed to the strong cultural ties in cinema, noting that Kyrgyz directors Bolotbek Shamshiyev and Tolomush Okeyev adapted Auezov’s works, while Kazakh director Ardak Amirkulov filmed Aitmatov’s story Farewell, Gulsary!

“These solid cultural and spiritual connections are the foundation of eternal friendship and good neighborliness. It is our common duty to value and strengthen them. This unique monument to two great writers and their love for the Motherland will stand as a bright symbol of Kazakh-Kyrgyz brotherhood,” Tokayev said.

Photo: Akorda press service
The ceremony was attended by members of the official delegations of both countries, as well as cultural figures from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Tokayev awards Japarov with Kazakhstan’s highest state honor
As part of his official visit, President Tokayev awarded President Japarov the Order of “Altyn Qyran” (The Order of the Golden Eagle), the highest state decoration of Kazakhstan. Tokayev also presented state awards to prominent public and political figures of Kyrgyzstan.
On August 22, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Sadyr Japarov took part in the meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The agenda of the Supreme Interstate Council included cooperation in trade and economy, transport and transit, water and energy, as well as cultural and humanitarian fields.
Prior to the meeting, an official welcoming ceremony for Tokayev was held at the Yntymak Ordo residence in Bishkek.
Tokayev’s official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic began with a visit to the Ata-Beyit National Historical and Memorial Complex.
The Head of State laid flowers at the monument to the victims of the tragic events of 1916, located on the territory of the memorial complex, and honored the memory of the outstanding Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov.
Read also: “Twin nations”: Tokayev and Japarov attend Supreme Interstate Council meeting in Bishkek