President Sadyr Japarov congratulated the people of Kyrgyzstan on Independence Day at the ceremony of raising the state flag on the central Ala-Too square in Bishkek.
He noted that as a sign of continuation of the work of the ancestors and in honor of the 100th anniversary of the formation of Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region, the predecessor of modern Kyrgyzstan, the state flag was raised to a height of 100 meters in the capital.
«Let our sovereignty never be under threat. Let the development of Kyrgyzstan continue to reach new heights and let our red flag always fly proudly,» Sadyr Japarov said.
The head of state emphasized that independence is a sacred value for the Kyrgyz people.
«Today we have our native language, in which the greatest epic «Manas» was created, our national culture rich in traditions and customs, our deep history and, most importantly, the youth, who carry the spiritual heritage of our ancestors, and are capable of raising our red flag even higher. We are a great nation with a strong spirit,» Sadyr Japarov said.
About authoritarianism
The President noted that Kyrgyzstanis faced various challenges during the years of independence. Blind copying of foreign culture led to the emergence of phenomena alien to their mentality and values.
«As a result, our sacred concepts are distorted and our country has weakened. Unrestrained speech began to be considered as a manifestation of the people’s will, anarchy was taken for democracy, and freedom of speech was replaced by gossip and rumors. People with fat wallets created parties in their own interests and participated in elections. Even now, there are those, who claim that Kyrgyzstan is becoming an authoritarian state, imposing false paths and confusing. Today, we are witnessing a growing demand for security all over the world, especially in developed democratic countries. Only a system of governance that adequately responds to the challenges and threats of our time can respond to them at the proper level,» Sadyr Japarov noted.
According to him, for this to happen, the vertical of power must be strong and strict. Leaders must be fair and responsible to their homeland. Otherwise, it will be difficult to withstand the challenges and threats of the time.
Finding a reasonable balance between democracy and governance, between the market and government regulation, refusing to live by someone else’s rules and caring for national interests is not authoritarianism. This is the foundation of our independent state, which we are strengthening today.
Sadyr Japarov
The President noted that a sovereign state, first of all, must be able to ensure stability and security for its citizens. «Therefore, our primary task is to ensure comprehensive security. Today we confidently say that we have embarked on the path of building a new Kyrgyzstan. All this is the result of our correct actions in the field of constitutional, fiscal, energy and other reforms, consolidation of the vertical of power and strengthening the rule of law,» Sadyr Japarov believes.
About economy and new projects
He thanked the Parliament for supporting government decisions, major projects, reforms and bills «without delays and empty words.» That is why, according to Sadyr Japarov, country’s economy, domestic and foreign policies are advancing quickly, achieving success.
«Historical justice has been restored, Kumtor mine has become state property, fiscal policy has been taken under control, taxation and customs systems, which form the basis of the state budget, have been put in order. Thanks to our merciless fight against corruption, we have managed to increase the prestige of our teachers and our doctors by increasing their salaries. Social facilities, such as schools and hospitals, have begun to grow everywhere. At the same time, we have been able to raise the combat readiness of our army to the proper level,» Sadyr Japarov said.
He noted that in 2023, the country’s GDP exceeded 1.2 trillion soms, and in the first seven months of this year it amounted to 677 billion soms, showing economic growth of 8.7 percent. The budget is expected to exceed 660 billion soms by the end of the year.
«Over the past two years, we have begun to implement major projects. If we do not take into account the construction of small hydroelectric power plants, projects such as Kambar-Ata-1 and the construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway are at the forefront of our ambitious and promising undertakings,» the head of state noted.
Sadyr Japarov drew attention to the fact that today the republic has reached a level, where it can enter into equal, mutually beneficial relations with other developed countries.
«Yesterday, we opened and commissioned a number of real sector and social sphere facilities. Terek-Tash cement plant was opened in Kemin, Isfayram-1 small hydropower station in Kadamdzhai, Kurak-Tektir small hydropower station in Nookat, Kara-Bulak trade and logistics zone and meat processing plant in At-Bashi, Min-Bulak construction materials enterprise in Naryn, Junda oil refinery in Zhaiyl district, a gold bar production plant in Kara-Balta, an oil refinery in Suzak, a gold refinery in Chatkal and many other manufacturing enterprises. In addition, we officially opened new schools, additional buildings for schools, kindergartens, and gyms,» Sadyr Japarov said. The President added that all these actions are confident steps to ensure the economic independence of sovereign Kyrgyzstan. Freedom of speech, protection of human rights and freedoms, state integrity and that same economic independence form the basis of sovereignty.
