"We are grateful to International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) for the announcement of 2018 as the Year of the outstanding writer, the son of the Kyrgyz people Chyngyz Aitmatov," Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov said today during a meeting with Secretary General of the TURKSOY Dusen Kaseinov.

The Head of State congratulated Kaseinov on his re-election as Secretary General of TURKSOY, expressed his confidence that he would direct his activities to multiplying the role and authority of the organization in the international arena and strengthening fraternal and friendly relations among the Turkic-speaking people, developing their cultural and humanitarian ties.

"This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of TURKSOY and in this regard I congratulate you on the jubilee date of the organization. You have made a great contribution to dissemination of culture, spiritual heritage of Kyrgyz people among the Turkic-speaking people and on the world stage. 2013 TURKSOY declared as the Year of Toktogul Satylganov, 2016 - the Year of Jusup Balasagyn and 2018 - the Year of our outstanding writer, the great son of the Kyrgyz people Chyngyz Aitmatov. This year we will make every effort to worthfully conduct important events dedicated to Aitmatov’s 90th birthday. The main event to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Chyngyz Aitmatov will be the International Forum, which will be held in Issyk-Kul," the President stressed.

The Secretary General of TURKSOY emphasized that in honor of the Year of Chyngyz Aitmatov there will be many events held around the world. TURKSOY plans to have a kick-off event dedicated to Chyngyz Aitmatov in April.

At the end of the meeting, Jeenbekov expressed confidence that TURKSOY will continue to promote cultural and humanitarian cooperation among the Turkic-speaking people.