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Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem delivered a conference titled “International Diplomacy and Türkiye–Kyrgyzstan Relations” at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.

Türkiye-Kyrgyzstan Relations Continue to Strengthen

Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan expressed his pleasure regarding the conference to be delivered by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem at Manas University and conveyed his sincere appreciation.

Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized that the relations between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan, founded on the understanding of brotherhood, continue to strengthen each day through new and encouraging steps. He stated that these developments constitute a significant source of satisfaction for both countries and included the following remarks in his evaluation: “Undoubtedly, one of the most significant steps in cooperation between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan is the establishment of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University through the agreement signed in İzmir in 1995. Our University stands as a symbol of friendship and a shared future between the two countries”

Prof. Dr. Ceylan stated that Manas University is a higher education institution that has proven itself internationally through its high standards of education. He emphasized that the University possesses a strong vision aimed at educating well-equipped, dynamic, and successful individuals in line with the requirements of the modern era. Highlighting that they are fully aware of the achievements attained thus far, Prof. Dr. Ceylan added that they believe even greater efforts are necessary to ensure the sustainability of these successes.

The Fundamental Mission of Universities is to Enable Learning

Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem emphasized that the fundamental mission of universities is to enable learning. In this context, Ambassador Ökem drew attention to the vital importance of reading and underlined the necessity of comparative and critical thinking. He stated that knowledge should always be approached with a questioning mindset and highlighted the importance of supporting theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Turks and Kyrgyz Are Brotherly Communities of Common Ancestry

Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Dr. Ökem emphasized that Turks and Kyrgyz are brotherly communities sharing a common ancestry. He recalled that the Government of the Republic of Türkiye was among the first countries to recognize Kyrgyzstan’s independence immediately after it was declared.

The First Agreement in Diplomatic Relations Was Signed with Türkiye

Ambassador Ökem stated that the first agreement concerning the establishment of diplomatic relations was signed between Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye. Emphasizing that the character of the Turkish nation is founded upon independence, Ambassador Ökem noted that the history of the Turkish states which, like the mythical Phoenix, have risen from their ashes, should be studied with great care.

Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem also underscored the brotherly ties between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan and referred to the support and assistance provided by Türkiye during Kyrgyzstan’s process of independence. 

Kyrgyzstan’s Independence is Permanent

Ambassador Ökem stated that Kyrgyzstan’s independence is enduring and emphasized that the level the country has reached today is a great source of pride for both the Kyrgyz people and the Turkish nation. He said “Kyrgyzstan is independent and will remain independent. As we witness the point Kyrgyzstan has reached today, we as Turks, feel at least as proud as our Kyrgyz brothers”

Highlighting the strong and deep-rooted ties between the two nations, Ambassador Ökem remarked, “We share a strong and longstanding bond with Kyrgyz people, and we are determined to maintain and further strengthen this unity.” He noted that the most concrete examples of this cooperation are Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University and the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Kyrgyz-Turkish Friendship Hospital.

Ambassador Ökem also underlined that the relations between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan are founded on the principles of freedom and equality, stating, “Freedom is equality, and equality is freedom.” He further emphasized the great importance of education for both countries and expressed that cooperation in the field of education should be further strengthened.

Manas University: A Gift of History and Destiny

In his remarks regarding Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Ambassador Ökem referred to the words of the great writer Chyngyz Aitmatov, recalling the statement: “Who would have imagined that one day, on this steppe, a university of the Turkic world would be established, where the youth of the Turkic world would study together under one roof?”

Ambassador Ökem described Manas University as a gift of history and destiny for both countries and expressed his pride in the institution.

Following the conference, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem, was presented with the 30th Anniversary Service Medal of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.

Ambassador Dr. Ökem Meets with International Relations Department Students at KTMU

Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem delivered a special lecture to the students of the Department of International Relations at the Faculty of Economics of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.

Ambassador Ökem emphasized that in assessing military threats, the factors of “capability” and “intent” must be evaluated together. Providing examples from ballistic missile technology and missile defense systems, he highlighted the importance of conducting realistic analyses in diplomacy and security policies.

Ambassador Ökem also addressed the concept of a multi-vector foreign policy, noting that single or isolated contacts are not sufficient. He emphasized that for a foreign policy strategy to be meaningful, it must be based on continuous and sequentially developed relationships.

Regarding Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy positioning, Ambassador Ökem stated that relations with neighboring countries, economic ties, and security cooperation must be analyzed in a holistic manner.

The program concluded after the Ambassador answered students questions.