The presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan unveiled a monument to the poet, writer and founder of modern Kazakh written literature Abai Kunanbai uulu in Bishkek.
«Today is an important day for the Kyrgyz and Kazakh peoples. We, giving special importance, prepared for this day with excitement, a warm sense of brotherhood. We gathered at the unveiling of the monument to the great Kazakh poet, philosopher, humanist, master of fiction Abai Kunanbai uulu. Opening of the monument to the great thinker is symbolic. This event is taking place in the year of 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is very important for the two countries, the two brotherly nations. Erection of this monument on Kyrgyz soil shows that the great way, creativity and eloquence of Abai Kunanbai uulu are treated with special respect not only in Kazakhstan but also in Kyrgyzstan,» Sadyr Japarov said.
According to him, such baatyrs as Manas and Kokcho, poets Toktogul and Abai, great writers Chingiz Aitmatov and Mukhtar Auezov once again glorify the two nations that gave birth to such great people.
The works about the life and creative path of Abai Kunanbai uulu, which are remembered for centuries, were created not only by scientists and researchers, but also by akyn-improvisers and writers, he noted.
Since ancient times, fraternal and friendly ties between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have been inseparable and could not be otherwise, as there are no other nations in the world so closely connected by their worldview, rich culture, spirit, history and intertwining of human destinies.
«I am sure that the Kyrgyz and Kazakh peoples will always be pillars for each other, reliable allies at all turns of history, who will continue to maintain brotherly relations. I would like to remind you that in 2020, on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the classic author of the Kazakh people Abai Kunanbai uulu, a cultural center named after Abai was opened in the Alykul Osmonov Kyrgyz National Library in order to widely promote his literary heritage,» the head of state noted.
He added that humanitarian ties have a special place in the rapprochement of the peoples of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and he considers it his duty to preserve the common spiritual heritage of the two brotherly peoples.
«We are two brotherly peoples with common historical roots, culture, language and traditions. I would like to stress that the Republic of Kazakhstan is a priority and is of special importance in our foreign policy. Our main duty is to strengthen the union and strategic partnership based on centuries of strong friendship and brotherhood,» Sadyr Japarov said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that opening of the monument to Abai Kunanbai uulu in Bishkek is a sign of special respect of the Kyrgyz people for the Kazakh people. The Kazakh president quoted the poet, who wrote that «no one can challenge the common origin of the Kyrgyz and Kazakhs.»
Abai Kunanbaev (real name Ibrahim) was a great poet and translator who was the first to use six- and eight- line poems and was highly respected among the Kazakh people. He devoted a great deal of time to the study of the Russian language. Abai sought to bring the culture of his people closer to Russian culture, and wanted this great language to be studied more in his homeland.
