Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov attends a commemoration for citizens who have died of COVID-19 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, July 30, 2020. Kyrgyzstan on Thursday commemorated its citizens who have died of COVID-19, on a day of national mourning. (Photo by Roman/Xinhua)
BISHKEK, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan on Thursday commemorated its citizens who have died of COVID-19, on a day of national mourning.
State flags have been lowered throughout the territory of Kyrgyzstan, as well as on the buildings of diplomatic and consular missions abroad, while television channels have suspended the broadcasting of entertainment shows.
Commemoration events were held at the Ata-Beyit memorial complex in Chong-Tash, a village south of Bishkek, with the participation of Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, Parliament Speaker Dastanbek Dzhumabekov, Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov, and other officials.
Expressing his deepest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the victims, Jeenbekov said that "the disease, which has engulfed all countries of the world, has brought a lot of grief to Kyrgyzstan."
"This virus has become a difficult test of strength for all of us," the president said. "With the power of unity, through well-coordinated teamwork and solidarity, we will surely defeat this disease."
The Chinese Embassy in Bishkek also lowered the national flag of the People's Republic of China on the day of national mourning.
"In the fight against the pandemic, brotherly China and Kyrgyzstan always stand together, support each other and help each other. We are convinced that thanks to common efforts, the Kyrgyz people will be able to win over the pandemic," the embassy said in a condolence message.
As of Thursday, Kyrgyzstan has reported 35,143 cases with 1,364 deaths, as well as 24,474 recoveries.
