Former presidents of Kyrgyzstan Askar Akayev and Sooronbay Jeenbekov took part in the Issyk-Kul International Forum in Cholpon-Ata. The current head of state Sadyr Japarov and guests from other countries also attended the event. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Speaking on stage, Akayev noted that the forum, initiated by writer Chingiz Aitmatov in the 1980s, has become an important platform for discussing peace and security issues. He also expressed concern about tensions between Eastern countries and the United States.
"Again, irresponsible political leaders talk about the possibility of using nuclear weapons, now supplemented by powerful artificial intelligence, which puts humanity once again on the brink of destruction. In this regard, it is extremely important that this concern and the ideas that, I am convinced, will be born during this forum, to achieve another détente in the world, our president can today directly convey to members of the UN Security Council thanks to the historic event — the election of Kyrgyzstan," he said.
The ex-president noted that Japarov was elected president during a difficult period for the country. However, today, according to Akayev, the economy is showing growth, and overall there is a noticeable improvement in the lives of the population. He added that large projects are being implemented in the country, calling it a "Kyrgyz economic miracle."
"If the Kyrgyz people grant the current president Sadyr Japarov an additional mandate for the practical implementation of the 'Kyrgyz economic miracle,' it would be a manifestation of wisdom, as it has always been," Akayev stated.
The former head of state emphasized that the "miracle" requires at least 8-10 years.
Recall that Akayev is the first president of Kyrgyzstan, whose 15-year regime ended with the "Tulip Revolution" and his flight due to accusations of family-clan rule and corruption. After 16 years of exile, he returned to Bishkek, made a deal with the investigation in the case of the Kumtor gold mine, and was fully amnestied by the current government.
Jeenbekov is the fifth president of the country, who resigned early amid the third Kyrgyz revolution, which erupted due to the falsification of parliamentary elections. Notably, Jeenbekov handed over power to Japarov, whom protesters had freed from prison a few days earlier.