Ayperi Zhanybaevna Zhamshitova, Counselor of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Russian Federation, took part in the meeting of the International Discussion Club “VISION 3000”, organized by the International Women’s Union
Ayperi Zhanybekovna revealed the topic “Russian-Kyrgyz cultural cooperation based on centuries-old mutually enriching ties between the peoples of the two countries.”
Dear Alfiya Ravilevna,
Dear participants of the meeting!
On behalf of the Embassy and on my own behalf, let me welcome the participants of the VISION-3000 International Discussion Club and express gratitude for the opportunity to participate in its work.
The topic of my report is Russian-Kyrgyz cultural cooperation based on centuries-old mutually enriching ties between the peoples of the two countries. Of course, given that relations between our countries and peoples originated back in 1785, we can talk about this topic for a long time, so I will try to be brief and voice the main points.
Culture by its nature has a unique opportunity for spiritual exchange, strengthening mutual understanding and trust between countries and peoples. The process of intercultural interaction and cultural exchange has been observed throughout the history of Kyrgyz-Russian relations.
Over the years, the destinies of hundreds of thousands of people have intertwined, which in turn has contributed to the preservation and enhancement of the spiritual closeness of our peoples, the formation of common values and the creation of a common spiritual and cultural space.
In this context, it should be emphasized that the main unifying core in our relations is invariably the Russian language, which has the official status in Kyrgyzstan.
We also highly appreciate the fact that Russian scientists and cultural figures helped to give a rich new life to the ancient culture of the Kyrgyz, to flourish new talents in literature, music, theater, ballet, sports, painting, cinema and other fields of art.
At the same time, the interaction of cultures is always a two-way process, and therefore, it is gratifying to note that the national culture of Kyrgyzstan in the course of its development was not only enriched by the contribution of Russian figures, but also contributed to the development of Russian culture. The main example is the work of the outstanding writer Chingiz Aitmatov, whose 95th birthday is celebrated this year.
The process of mutual enrichment of cultures continues, and every day we open up new horizons of our cooperation in various fields, in music, in art, in sports.
In this context, I would like to give an example of the ethnosport game kok-boru, which is gaining popularity in Russia. So, in 2022, the first coca-cola federation in Russia was registered and its branches are opening in the regions. This game is especially popular in Dagestan, Tatarstan, Altai Krai and Buryatia. Although this game is ancient Turkic, it was Kyrgyzstan that contributed to its revival, popularization and wide distribution throughout the world.
It should be noted that the Kyrgyz—Russian bilateral cooperation in the cultural sphere is developing very actively, in addition to the constant cultural exchange in the form of various events, such as cultural days, festivals, tours of creative teams, large-scale events are periodically held at a high state level.
The year 2020 was declared by the heads of our states as the Cross-year of Kyrgyzstan in Russia and Russia in Kyrgyzstan, which was the first experience in the CIS countries. The cross-year of Kyrgyzstan and Russia was very informative, filled with cultural events and business events. His program covered the entire spectrum of Kyrgyz-Russian cooperation and undoubtedly made a significant contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two states.
On March 6 of this year, on the eve of the celebration of International Women’s Day, the first Russian-Kyrgyz Women’s Forum “Dialogue of Women of Kyrgyzstan and Russia for the sake of the Future” was held. The event was attended by the First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic Aigul Zhaparova and the Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko. Part of the forum was an extensive cultural agenda between our countries, a number of agreements were reached.
One of the results of the forum in the implementation of the signed memorandum was the opening of the Museum of nomadic civilization in Moscow in the building of the V.V. Zhirinovsky University of World Civilizations. This project is aimed at popularizing nomadic culture through the study and dissemination of the art and traditions of the Kyrgyz people, introducing compatriots and interested representatives of other peoples to them through cultural and educational activities. The main exhibit of the Museum of Nomadic Civilization is a Kyrgyz yurt with interior decoration in a complete set, where excursions will be held that promote the development of intercultural ties, master classes on making a national doll “chiy kurchak”, thematic exhibitions and other educational and cultural events.
Here, as part of the agenda of our meeting, I would like to emphasize that the initiator of this project is our compatriot, an activist of the Kyrgyz diaspora in Moscow, who, when presenting the concept of the project as one of its main goals, voiced the issue of understanding the meaning and content of the all-Russian identity through the formation of mutual respect for the traditions and customs of various ethnic groups living in Russia and the development of cross-cultural relations.
On May 8 , 2023 , in the city of military glory of Rzhev , the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov opened Rzhev Memorial to Kyrgyz soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War The Patriotic War. This important historical and cultural event serves as another proof that the foundation of Kyrgyz-Russian relations is respect for the common history and memory of ancestors who heroically fought and gave their lives for Victory.
Historical experience and long-term practice of relations between our countries show that spiritual ties are many times stronger than other forms of interaction in the political and economic fields. I believe that cooperation in the cultural sphere greatly contributes to the further strengthening of relations of long-term good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation, spiritual rapprochement, promotion of interethnic dialogue in the interests of the peoples living in Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
At the end of my report, I want to express confidence that today’s event will contribute to strengthening cultural dialogue and harmonization of interethnic relations between our countries and peoples, and I want to wish everyone success!
Thank you for your attention!