The idea that trust and solidarity among citizens form the strength of the state can become the foundation of a new social climate in Kyrgyzstan. This point of view was expressed by political scientist Bakyt Baketaev while commenting on the recent statements of President Sadyr Japarov about the "seven million friends" representing all citizens of the country.
According to Baketaev, the president's words can be interpreted as a signal of the need for trust and solidarity in society.
“The recent statements of Sadyr Japarov, in which he mentions the loss of one friend and the gaining of seven to eight million new friends among the citizens of Kyrgyzstan, should not be perceived as a simple emotional reaction. This assertion hides a deeper philosophical essence of the relationship between power and the people,” he noted.
When the head of state calls each citizen his friend, it changes the atmosphere in society. Politics becomes not a cold mechanism but a space for human interactions. At that moment, I realized that I too have now become a friend of the president, and just like me, every resident of Kyrgyzstan,” shared the political scientist.
Baketaev emphasizes that such an approach inevitably raises the question of the interconnections among citizens:
“There is a deep meaning in this. If we are all friends of the president, then we must become friends with each other. It is impossible to be a friend of one person and remain strangers to others. Thus, a simple yet powerful formula emerges: the friendship of the state begins with the friendship of its citizens,” he added.
Reflecting on the significance of trust for the development of society, the expert refers to the ideas of renowned philosophers:
“The thoughts of great minds from different eras emphasize the power of unity. Aristotle said that 'friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.' The Japanese thinker Francis Fukuyama points out in his book that the prosperity of states begins with trust among people. Without trust, it is impossible to create a sustainable society.”
That is why the president's words can be perceived as a call to form a new civic culture - a culture of trust,” added Baketaev.
For a small country like Kyrgyzstan, societal solidarity can become a crucial factor in its resilience, the expert believes.
“Today, the world faces numerous challenges. Conflicts, crises, and geopolitical confrontations create a sense of instability. However, it is precisely under such conditions that small countries can find their formula for resilience. Not through strength or resources, but through the solidarity of people,” he noted.
Kyrgyzstan, being a small country, can gain tremendous strength if seven or eight million citizens feel themselves not just as a population but as a community of friends. This is the energy that can overcome any difficulties.
The Japanese philosopher Kitaro Nishida asserted that true unity arises not when people are the same, but when they acknowledge their interconnectedness. This is the wisdom of society.
Thus, the president's words can be seen as a symbol of the beginning of a new social atmosphere, where the state becomes a common cause for millions of people.
If we accept the idea that all citizens of Kyrgyzstan are friends of the president and of each other, it will open new prospects for our country.
The greatness of a state is formed not only by economic or military achievements but also by the spirit of its people.
Therefore, if we are all truly friends, let us live in harmony. Perhaps it is from this simple idea that a new story of Kyrgyzstan will one day be born, where friendship will become the foundation of the future,” concluded the expert.
