As part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, the 3rd Kazakh –Kyrgyz forum of talented youth was held in Bishkek,El.kz reports citing the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
This year, the forum focused on developing digital and innovative cooperation among creative youth from both countries. The event opened with the premiere of the documentary Chokan Valikhanov: Bright Star of History", dedicated to the contribution of the great Kazakh ethnographer to the study of the history and culture of the two nations.
The forum was attended by Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva, State Secretary of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Imankulov, prominent public figures, and representatives of the creative intelligentsia of both countries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Aida Balayeva emphasized the significance of Chokan Valikhanov’s works in the history of Kazakh–Kyrgyz relations:
“If the epic Manas is a national symbol of the Kyrgyz people, then Chokan Valikhanov played an enormous role in its literary interpretation and popularization. His monograph Diary of a Trip to Issyk-Kul is a vivid manifestation of Kazakh–Kyrgyz unity in science and the spiritual sphere. I am confident that the documentary Chokan Valikhanov: Bright Star of History", created by our Kyrgyz friends, will be highly appreciated by audiences,” the Minister noted.
State Secretary of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Imankulov drew attention to the importance of historical figures who greatly influenced the formation of national identity in both countries:
“The histories of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan feature such outstanding personalities as Abai Kunanbayev, Chokan Valikhanov, Zhambyl Zhabayev, Mukhtar Auezov, and Chingiz Aitmatov. By preserving and promoting cultural and spiritual traditions, they made a huge contribution to the unity and brotherhood of our peoples. These figures continue to inspire today’s youth and guide them on the path of creation,” said Marat Imankulov.
On the sidelines of the forum, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva held a meeting with Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic Mirbek Mambetaliev. The parties discussed the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
The forum brought together a large number of young professionals in the fields of innovation, creative industries, and entrepreneurship, who discussed approaches to implementing joint projects.
Panel sessions covered the following topics: “Next-Generation AI Startups: From Local Idea to Global Market” and “Ed-tech Projects: New Challenges.” The discussions involved more than 300 young entrepreneurs, startup founders, programmers, bloggers, and media specialists.
As part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, the Days of Kazakhstan Culture are also being held in Bishkek. The program included “Kazakh Cinema Days” and a festive concert dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Nurgisa Tlendiyev.