Dr Azamat Seitov, Head of the IAIS Centre for Anthropology and Conflict Studies, shared his reflections on the centuries-old values of Kyrgyz-Uzbek friendship in a recent interview with the Kyrgyz national news agency “Kabar”. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov’s gift of a car to Uzbek coach Akmal Khasanov provoked a positive response in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The expert noted the symbolism of the gesture, emphasising the importance of the car as the modern equivalent of a horse in Turkic culture. He also recalled a similar gesture by the President of Uzbekistan towards a Kyrgyz akyn, which was warmly received in Kyrgyzstan.

 

Dr Seitov stressed the importance of sports diplomacy in strengthening relations between the two countries. He noted the success of Kyrgyz boxer Munarbek Seyitbek uulu at the Paris Olympics and the role of the Uzbek coach in his victory. The expert also drew attention to the development of sports in Kyrgyzstan, particularly football, and noted that the country is showing better and better results in international competitions.

 

Summarising the interview, it was noted by the expert that sport plays an important role in people-to-people diplomacy, helping to strengthen friendly relations between countries. Events such as joint training, exchange of experience and mutual support in sports help to create strong ties between the peoples of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, demonstrating unity and mutual understanding in the international arena.

 

Read the full interview (in Rusiian)