President Zhaparov’s address to veterans of Afghanistan war

Bishkek, Feb. 15, 2021. / Kabar /. President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov made on Monday an address on the Day of withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. In his address, the Kyrgyz president noted Remembrance Day for the soldiers-internationalists who died in the battles is traditionally celebrated on Feb. 15. “The Afghan war lasted 9 years, 1 month and 19 days. Over these years, 620,000 Soviet soldiers have served in Afghanistan, including more than 7,000 from Kyrgyzstan. More than 200,000 servicemen, workers and employees were awarded orders and medals for courage, heroism and bravery. 66 servicemen became Heroes of the Soviet Union, two of them are our countrymen Sergey Gushchin and Yuri Islamov,” the address says. Zhaparov added that nowadays Afghan soldiers honorably perform their civil duty - they contribute to development of veteran movement of Kyrgyzstan. They do a lot of work to help their comrades in arms, are involved in patriotic work, and train the younger generation of defenders of the Motherland. “On the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the withdrawal of the limited contingent of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, I wish all veterans-internationalists, their relatives and loved ones strong health, good luck, happiness and well-being," the message of the Kyrgyz leader runs.