Today, October 23, the Hungarian nation celebrates its National Day. On the eve of this event, the Embassy of Hungary in Kyrgyzstan organized an official reception dedicated to this important holiday.
The event gathered many guests, which indicates a large number of friends of Hungary in Kyrgyzstan. Well-known politicians, scientists, doctors, businessmen, diplomats, and representatives of various social and religious organizations came to congratulate the Hungarian people.
The ceremonial part of the reception began with the performance of the anthems of both countries. The Hungarian anthem, known as "God Bless the Hungarians," reflects the national identity and unity of the people, while the anthem of Kyrgyzstan emphasizes the spirit of freedom and the pursuit of high goals. Despite the different melodies, both anthems convey a deep love for the homeland and hopes for prosperity, which unites our nations.
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Hungary, Sándor Dorogi, emphasized that there are common roots and nomadic traditions between our countries, as well as a shared aspiration for independence, national unity, and openness.
He noted the significance of October 23 for Hungarians, which has become a symbol of the beginning of the 1956 revolution and the liberation struggle. This day reminds us of the heroism of the Hungarian people, their quest for justice and independence.
According to the ambassador, Hungary highly values its friendly relations with Kyrgyzstan, which are becoming increasingly strong over time.
- This year we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the opening of our embassy in Bishkek. Later, the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan was opened in Budapest. Since the opening of the embassies, our political and diplomatic ties have been actively developing. In 2020, we signed a joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, which became the first of its kind for Hungary with European states, - added Sándor Dorogi. - The signing of a new Declaration on the expansion of strategic partnership in 2023 was an important step in strengthening our relations.
Over the past five years, as the ambassador noted, significant high-level visits and joint events have taken place, which strengthen cooperation and open new horizons for bilateral relations.
- Our economic ties are developing dynamically. We are witnessing an increase in trade turnover and exports, which positively impacts the economy and creates jobs, improving the welfare of our peoples, - he noted. - A Hungarian-Kyrgyz Development Fund has also been established, which supports economic projects in priority areas such as energy, water resources, and agriculture. The capital of the fund has grown to fifty million dollars.
In the field of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, according to Sándor Dorogi, our countries have many opportunities for interaction.
- Over the past five years, we have sought to introduce Kyrgyz people to Hungarian culture through exhibitions, concerts, and literary evenings. We have published books dedicated to our common history and cultural achievements, which is very important for us, as Hungary cherishes its heritage and history.
The project for teaching the Hungarian language, which started in 2021 at Osh State University, has become a significant step. Since September 1 of this year, it has also become available in Bishkek. Cooperation in education has been established, including a forum of university rectors from both countries, - added the ambassador.
- In 2016, the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program was launched, which opened doors for students from Kyrgyzstan. Currently, Hungary provides the opportunity for free education to 200 citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic annually. Education and science are the foundation of progress. Training young specialists is an important investment in the future, - concluded the ambassador.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Temirbek Erkinov, in his welcoming speech, noted that he "wishes the fraternal Hungarian people well-being, prosperity, and self-confidence."
- Our countries are developing relations at all levels, maintaining warm ties and mutual understanding. And this is largely your merit, Mr. Sándor Dorogi, as the Ambassador of Hungary to Kyrgyzstan. I congratulate you and the Hungarian people on National Day, - he added.
At the celebration, diplomats and guests raised their glasses of wine in honor of the friendship between the peoples.
