Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

During his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu stressed the historic ties of the two countries and said, “We view the rapidly developing Kyrgyzstan led by President Atambayev to be the star of the region.

The speech President Atambayev gave in 2011 at our University still rings in my ears. The President told us, ‘We are brothers; we are one nation with a shared history and roots.’ And so, we are overjoyed to be here with our brothers.”

- Hisarcıklıoğlu repeats Atambayev’s invitation

Recalling Atambayev’s invitation to the Turkish business world, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “When he issued that invitation, he first reminded us of the blood Kyrgyz ancestors spilled for the Ottomans 700 years ago. Many may not know this but in 1331 the Ottomans are not yet an empire, fighting the Byzantines with their capital in İznik. İznik was besieged but would not fall. Our Kyrgyz brothers and spilled their blood with us, opening the gates of İznik and the Ottomans claimed their first victory as an empire.

That was 1331; in 1920 we were once again brothers in dire circumstances. The Ottoman Empire lay in ruins, surrounded by enemies. Did Kyrgyzstan or Turkistan have money? No. Despite that, they sent 16.5 million golden rubles in aid throughout a duration of 3 years. Once again our Kyrgyz brothers helped us in founding of a state. During both of the flashpoints in Anatolia which determined the future of the region, our Kyrgyz brothers were in the midst of.”

- Presidents of 100 chambers and exchanges in Kyrgyzstan

Stating that they’ve come to Kyrgyzstan with their businessmen, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “These friends are the opinion leaders in their provinces, the chairmen of traders and industrialists. They are democratically elected people, not appointed. Hopefully they will take back the investment opportunities they’ve learned about here back to their country and talk about them to their friends. To date, Turkish entrepreneurs have invested 500 million USD in Kyrgyzstan. Is it enough? It isn’t. Hopefully, with the help of our brothers here, it is my hope that we can raise that figure to 5 billion or even 10 billion USD. I would like to thank Ahmet Kaya for his contributions in taking on the presidency of the Turkish-Kyrgyzstan Business Council.

As the Turkish business community, we are always ready to provide support to our Kyrgyzstan’s democratic journey, transition to a free market economy and integrate with the global economy.”

- Kyrgyzstan’s success

Emphasizing that holding multi-party elections, the implementation of a constitution and the election of a president in fair and free elections are the successes of Kyrgyzstan, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that businessmen know well that quality democracy and strong economy are two halves of the same apple.

Stating that without democratic standards, the rule of law and personal development, sustainable development and widespread prosperity are not possible, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Kyrgyzstan is the most viable country for enterprise in its region. Kyrgyzstan is the shining star of the future. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate you as a brother from Turkey.”

- Kyrgyzstan President Almazbek Atambayev

Kyrgyzstan President Almazbek Atambayev expressed his pleasure in hosting Hisarcıklıoğlu and those accompanying him and said, “You bring with you the smell of the motherland. Such is our fraternity with the Turkish business delegation.”

Reminding that there are many areas in which Turks live in Asia, Atambayev said, “From Ankara to Russia, from Astana to Ankara; our unity would be beautiful.”

Emphasizing that Turkey is the most powerful and largest of all Turkish Republics, Atambayev said that this also indicates a great responsibility.

President Atambayev said, “Turkey is like a motherland for us; like a great star. We do not see it to be far off but we know it is there, we do have a motherland in Turkey. Turkey is forever in our hearts.”

- Hisarcıklıoğlu answered questions during flight

Returning to Turkey following the dinner along with the delegation accompanying him, Hisarcıklıoğlu answered the questions of journalists on the flight.

In response to a question, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Kyrgyzstan is an attractive prospect for entrepreneurs and requested of Kyrgyz authorities the opening of credit by Eximbank for energy investments.

Emphasizing the importance of growth during the globalization of trade, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “In forming our strategy as Turkey, we must also consider the strategies of the countries which will move with Turkey.”