Kyrgyzstan Marks 35 Years of Independence at Brussels Embassy

On the 35th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s independence, H.E. Mr Aidit Erkin, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Belgium and the European Union delivered a speech in Brussels that was more than a formal celebration. It framed the country’s post-Soviet path as a move from national revival toward institutional consolidation and greater regional connectivity, while making clear Bishkek’s interest in deepening its partnership with the European Union.

Set against growing great-power competition in Central Asia, the address highlights the main features of Kyrgyzstan’s multi-vector foreign policy. Domestic reforms in the judiciary and digital sector are presented as steps toward European standards of rule of law. At the same time, the speech points to major Chinese-backed infrastructure projects and revives the historical image of the Silk Road to position Kyrgyzstan as a natural bridge between Europe and Asia.

What follows is the full text of the speech, together with an analysis of its geopolitical and international legal significance.

Speech delivered by H.E. Mr Aidit Erkin, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Belgium and the European Union

"Good afternoon, everyone!
Distinguished Guests, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear colleagues, friends!

Thank you for joining us today.

Today we celebrate the National Day — our freedom, our liberty, our independence. Thirty-five years ago we declared our independence from the Soviet Union. Independence means the freedom to choose one’s own future. It is important for us that every citizen should feel the fruits of independence: a peaceful life, social harmony, increased well-being of the people, and the confidence of young generations in their future.

Today, Kyrgyzstan is moving from a period of national revival to a period of national prosperity. The National Development Program of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2026 underlines the continuation of the process of reforming the judicial system, aimed at strengthening its independence, ensuring transparency and citizens’ access to justice. We invest in technology and digital infrastructure to drive innovation and improve public services. We have begun the implementation of a large regional project for the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Together we are building a strong state with a vibrant civil society.

In terms of our relationship with the European Union, we highly value the partnership that has evolved over the years. Respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law forms the cornerstone of our partnership. Economic cooperation is another vital aspect of our relationship. We appreciate the EU’s commitment to enhancing trade and economic connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan. The EU’s Strategy on Central Asia and other initiatives such as Global Gateway are instrumental in promoting economic growth and regional integration. We value the EU’s contributions to projects in the areas of energy efficiency, education, healthcare and environmental protection.

In view of a number of important events held at high and highest levels in recent years, and based on their results, I believe that our cooperation has reached a new stage. We have successfully conducted the meetings of the leaders of the Central Asian states and the EU in Kazakhstan in 2022, in Kyrgyzstan in 2023 and in Uzbekistan in 2025. In June 2024, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Mr Sadyr Japarov, visited the EU institutions in Brussels. We believe that the outcomes of these high-level meetings give us a strong impetus to our partnership. Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands are our trusted and strong partners in supporting reforms, promoting good governance and bolstering economic development in Kyrgyzstan.

Dear Guests, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, friends!

Once again I thank you for attending this event. In conclusion, noting the importance of connectivity between the EU and Central Asia, I wish to recall that in the past, in the Middle Ages, my region and my country were part of the Great Silk Road. Now it is time to make the Silk Road great again.

Thank you!
Rahmat!"