30th anniversary of independence of Kyrgyz Republic

 

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, right, poses for a photo with Korea's Speaker of the National Assembly Park Byeong-seug during a meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, April 5. Courtesy of Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Korea

By Dinara Kemelova

On Aug. 31, 2021, the Kyrgyz Republic celebrates the 30th anniversary of its independence.

The Kyrgyz nation with a centuries-old history and rich cultural identity has undergone many challenges in the struggle for its national identity and statehood. In the past century, Kyrgyzstan was a part of the Russian Empire, and after the October Revolution of 1917 and the creation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), became a Soviet Socialist Republic.

The collapse of the USSR and the adoption by the Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan of the "Declaration of State Independence" on Aug. 31, 1991, were significant events in the history of the development of the Kyrgyz Republic. According to this historic act, Kyrgyzstan has become an independent, sovereign, and democratic state. In addition, the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, adopted on May 5, 1993, proclaimed Kyrgyzstan as a legal and secular state based on the principles of freedom, independence and unity.

Kyrgyzstan is a multinational country, where more than 100 nationalities live. Today, there are more than 17,000 ethnic Koreans ― citizens of Kyrgyzstan. There are a lot of successful entrepreneurs, athletes and public figures among them, of whom Kyrgyzstan is proud. And in turn, there are more than 6,000 citizens of Kyrgyzstan in the Republic of Korea and about 350 Kyrgyz students are studying at various universities in Korea.

Since gaining independence, Kyrgyzstan has established democratic institutions of government, legal mechanisms, a market economy and a stable national currency. There has been built a strong civil society and legal institutions have been established for the protection of human rights and freedoms.

The Kyrgyz Republic has made significant progress, especially in strengthening the country's sovereignty. During this period, the people of Kyrgyzstan, who have experienced many challenges, have proven that they're the only source of power.

This shows similarity with the Korean people. The spirit of freedom and democracy lives in us.

Dinara Kemelova, left, ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Korea, shakes hands with Korea's President Moon Jae-in during a reception for diplomats in Seoul at Cheong Wa Dae, Oct. 18, 2019. Courtesy of Embassy of Kyrgyz Republic in Korea

This year early presidential elections were held in Kyrgyzstan in January. The current President Sadyr Japarov won. This year two referendums were held in Kyrgyzstan to determine the form of government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the draft of a new Constitution, which was adopted on May 5. According to the new Constitution, our country is currently a presidential keonhacai , as is the Republic of Korea. This year, it is planned to hold parliamentary elections under a mixed system in autumn.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and South Korea in 1992, an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding has been prevailing. More than 50 treaties and memorandums have been signed, and the parties are engaged in an active political dialogue and maintain dynamic cooperation in the economic, cultural and educational spheres. The dynamics of bilateral relations are confirmed by fruitful exchanges of high-level visits. The following visits of the Kyrgyz delegations to the Republic of Korea ― by the Presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic in 1997 and 2013, by heads of Government in 2007 and 2012 and by speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament in 2014 ― played an important role in promoting bilateral relations.

In 2019, South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon made his first historic visit to Kyrgyzstan. Another significant event of the history of bilateral relations was this year's first official visit of the Speaker of the National Assembly of South Korea Park Byeong-seug to Kyrgyzstan in April. During the visit, Park held talks with President Japarov, Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament Talant Mamytov and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Ulukbek Maripov.

Kyrgyzstan is one of the countries embraced by the "New Northern Policy" of South Korean President Moon Jae-in. In January 2021, by a decision of the Korean government, Kyrgyzstan was placed on the list of priority partner countries of the Republic of Korea.

Ala Kol lake in Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan / Courtesy of Tokochev Kenjebek

Today, Kyrgyzstan is one of the dynamically developing democratic countries in the Central Asian region. The country has created a favorable investment climate, with low taxes, qualified labor resources, and in this regard, Kyrgyzstan continues to attract South Korean investors. Currently, there is a strong interest of Korean companies in promoting joint economic projects. One thousand and fifty-seven companies with Korean side participation are registered in Kyrgyzstan. A PCR test laboratory using advanced Korean technology was opened in the capital of Kyrgyzstan in May this year in efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic. Test results can be obtained in one to two hours.

We actively work to establish ties between the regions and cities of Kyrgyzstan and South Korea. Currently, twinning relations have been established between: the Chui region and South Jeolla Province, Bishkek and Gumi, Bishkek and Yeosu, Bishkek and Pohang, and Bishkek and Yangsan.

Since 2007, Kyrgyzstan has been a part of the Korean Employment Permit System (EPS) program according to which labor migrants from Kyrgyzstan may work in South Korea by labor contracts. Since Kyrgyzstan joined this program, more than 3,200 people have entered South Korea for employment.

Kyrgyzstan is a very attractive country for Korean tourists. The Kyrgyz Republic, which we call the country of heavenly mountains, with beautiful nature, the alps, and numerous lakes and rivers, is an oasis in Central Asia. But not many South Koreans know about our ancient history, tourist attractions and rich culture. The number of Korean tourists in the Kyrgyz Republic was growing from year to year before the coronavirus pandemic. We hope that travel will be resumed in the post-coronavirus period, noting a visa-free regime for South Korean citizens in Kyrgyzstan. Apart from the beautiful nature, foreign tourists can enjoy adventure tourism, the nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz people, as well as the ancient cultural heritage and the Great Silk Road, which passed through the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan.

Today, we acknowledge the unrealized potential of bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic and cultural spheres and the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Seoul continues to make active efforts to further expand friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and South Korea.

Dinara Kemelova is the ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Korea.