Kyrgyzstan celebrated its 33rd Independence Day on August 31, 2024, with a grand ceremony in Bishkek’s Ala-Too Square. The event featured raising a new 100-meter-tall national flag, embodying the nation’s progress and ambitions.
The road to independence began in the late 1980s, as the Soviet Union’s grip on its republics weakened. On August 31, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Kyrgyz Republic adopted the Declaration of State Independence, marking the birth of the modern Kyrgyz state. This move made Kyrgyzstan the first post-Soviet Central Asian state to formalize its independence.
President Sadyr Zhaparov addressed the gathering, reflecting on Kyrgyzstan’s journey since 1991. “We celebrate Independence Day to appreciate the value of freedom and autonomous development, preserve it with honor, and pass it on to future generations,” he stated.
Zhaparov connected Kyrgyzstan’s ancient past with its modern identity, evoking the spirit of Manas, the legendary Kyrgyz hero. “Our ancestors, beginning with Manas the Magnanimous, raised their red pennants high and shed blood for the people’s independence during campaigns,” he remarked.
The President called for unity and national pride, especially in light of recent challenges. “We are the descendants of a mighty people with a strong spirit!” he declared, encouraging citizens to take pride in their heritage and accomplishments.
This year’s celebration coincided with the centenary of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast’s establishment, which set the foundation for modern Kyrgyzstan. This milestone prompted reflection on the country’s century-long journey and its future aspirations.
Zhaparov shared recent economic successes, noting that the country’s gross domestic product exceeded 1.2 trillion soms last year, with an 8.7% growth rate in the first seven months of 2024. He mentioned ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power station and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.
Addressing governance, the President stated, “Achieving a balance between democracy and government, between the market and regulation, refusing to live by others’ rules and protecting national interests is not authoritarianism. It’s the foundation of our independent state we strengthen today!”
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a separate ceremony acknowledged the diplomatic corps’ role in Kyrgyzstan’s international relations. Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev commended diplomats for their contributions to the country’s development and global recognition.
Kulubayev outlined the foreign policy objectives set by President Zhaparov, including “strengthening economic diplomacy, ensuring state security and defense capability, territorial integrity, as well as achieving socio-economic development and protecting Kyrgyzstanis’ rights abroad.”
As Kyrgyzstan looks ahead, its leaders express optimism about the country’s potential. President Zhaparov concluded his address with a vision of hope: “We will achieve our goal – to transform Kyrgyzstan into a developed and strong country, which we will hand over to future generations.”
The Independence Day celebrations showcased Kyrgyzstan’s pride in its history, confidence in its present achievements, and aspirations for a prosperous future on the global stage.
