President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov takes part in the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games, held at the new Bishkek Arena stadium today on 31 August.
Addressing the participants of the ceremony, numerous spectators, heads of foreign states and delegations, the head of state notes the following:
"Respected compatriots! Highly respected heads of state and dear guests! Respected participants of the sixth World Nomad Games!
Today here, at the foot of the Ala Too, we witness a special historic day when the past, present and future of Kyrgyzstan unite in one time and in one space.
Today, 31 August, marks the 35th anniversary of independence of Kyrgyzstan.
Precisely on this day, the sixth World Nomad Games officially open, glorifying the heritage of the great nomadic civilisation created by our ancestors before the entire world.
The summit dedicated to the 25th historic jubilee of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation falls on this same day.
The participation of more than 15 heads of foreign states in the jubilee summit, as well as the leaders of authoritative international organisations led by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, gives special status and significance to today's events.
In this regard, on my own behalf and on behalf of the entire Kyrgyz people, I express deep gratitude to my colleagues and the leaders of international organisations.
All these large scale events take place at the modern Bishkek Arena stadium, which symbolises the new opportunities of our country, the future of sports and youth.
From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate all of you, all my compatriots on this great holiday that unites historic events, national unity, regional security, international political and cultural partnership and development!
Respected citizens of Kyrgyzstan!
Despite the fact that each of the events listed above is a historic event in itself, the 35th anniversary of independence of Kyrgyzstan is undoubtedly the main one and holds special significance!
The true meaning of independence lies in knowing one's roots, carefully preserving traditions and customs, respecting and valuing the native language, the opportunity to determine one's own destiny independently and taking responsibility for building one's own future.
If our foundation is independence, then our roots lie in nomadic civilisation!
And if the path chosen by us is international friendship and partnership, then our future lies in building a developed, strong and new Kyrgyzstan!
As the country that founded the Nomad Games, we not only introduce the entire world to our history and heritage, but also demonstrate that we are a modern country looking towards the future.
The opening of the modern Bishkek Arena stadium with a capacity of more than 51 thousand spectators serves as a vivid example of this!
Respected participants of today's celebration!
Exactly five years ago, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, I especially emphasised: 'New Kyrgyzstan must become a country of free citizens who take pride in their historical past, feel satisfied with today's life and look into their future with optimism.'
Today we fulfil most of the promises given by us, building and strengthening this new Kyrgyzstan.
Currently, a whole series of projects of such scale that recently seemed unattainable for our country undergoes implementation.
Construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway has begun, the implementation of which will change the perception of the geopolitical role of Kyrgyzstan.
Another project of historic scale, the construction of the Kambarata 1 Hydroelectric Power Plant with a capacity of 1,860 megawatts, actively continues.
The construction of the year round operating Ala Too Resort ski cluster will make it possible to increase the international attractiveness of Kyrgyzstan significantly as a tourist destination accessible for travel throughout the whole year.
In order to develop the financial and investment system of the country, on 3 July this year on the shore of Lake Issyk Kul we launched the Tamchy special financial investment territory.
This territory possesses a special legal regime and carries out activities based on English law.
We transform Tamchy not merely into an investment territory, but into a new financial centre uniting international capital, modern financial technologies and investment projects.
Briefly speaking, the growth rates of the gross domestic product confirm the development dynamics of our country.
May God bless these achievements!
At the same time, I want to note with special pride that this year Kyrgyzstan is elected a member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027 to 2028 for the first time in its history.
Receiving the support of 142 states testifies to the political stability of our country and the correctness of the conducted state policy.
Dear citizens of Kyrgyzstan!
With the start of the Nomad Games here at Bishkek Arena, alongside sports rivalry, friendship between peoples will also strengthen.
It is especially pleasing that this idea resonates with the philosophy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
The simultaneous holding of the meeting of heads of state and the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan also carries profound symbolic meaning.
At one event, state leaders seek paths to peace and cooperation through dialogue, while at the other, peoples of the world draw closer through sport and culture.
Most importantly, the highest values of humanity, peace and friendship, lie at the foundation of both of these large scale events.
Respected participants of the sixth World Nomad Games!
The Nomad Games represent a great culture inherited from ancient nomadic peoples who inhabited the Eurasian space: ancient Huns, ancient Kyrgyz, ancient Turks, ancient Turgesh and other nomadic ancestors of ours.
This spiritual and cultural heritage revives today in new content through the World Nomad Games.
This time, sport, culture and science unite into a single concept.
Hundreds of cultural events, from traditional music and the art of manaschi to ethnic fashion, craft competitions and modern creative projects, will take place on the shore of the sacred lake.
Within the scientific programme, scientists from dozens of countries will gather. They will discuss not only the history and heritage of nomadic societies, but also the genesis, philosophy and heritage of nomadic civilisation, as well as its place in human history.
We strive to showcase the heritage of nomads as a living intellectual and cultural resource.
Taking this opportunity, I want to announce that an official letter has arrived from the Russian Federation expressing readiness to hold the seventh Nomad Games in Tatarstan in 2028.
I express gratitude for this to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
We stand ready to render comprehensive support to the Russian side in holding this international event at a high level.
Respected compatriots, respected participants of today's great celebration and dear guests!
May Bishkek Arena, where the sixth Nomad Games start, become a place of victories for the young generation and new successes for Kyrgyzstan!
And may the 35th anniversary of our independence give new impetus to the further development of our state!
May Kyrgyzstan become a prosperous, free country looking into the future with confidence!
And so, I declare the sixth World Nomad Games open!"
Reported by Kabar (Kyrgyzstan).
