Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak meets Kyrgyz president, attends 2nd World Nomad Games

WAM -- Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and Chairman of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, has met with President of Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Atambayev, during his visit to the Central Asian country to attend the second edition of the World Nomad Games which opened on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul in the Kyrgyz resort city of Cholpon-Ata Saturday and will run up to 8 Sept 2016.  

Sheikh Nahyan conveyed to President Atambayev the regards of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their best wishes for good health.

The President of Kyrgyzstan reciprocated his greetings to the UAE leaders, wishing them good health and more progress, prosperity and welfare to the UAE people.

Sheikh Nahyan, who is leading the UAE delegation, attended the opening ceremony in the presence of President Atambayev.

Abu Dhabi Falconers' Club is representing the UAE in the games which will run until next Thursday, and have attracted 2,000 athletes from over 40 countries to compete in 23 kinds of ethno-sports, such horse racing, falconry, shooting, wrestling and other ethnic sports practiced in Central Asia.

Sheikh Nahyan said, ''The UAE, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, lent special attention and care to safeguarding its cultural legacy out of H.H's belief that cultural and folkloric heritage is an integral part of our authentic Arab identity. It is imperative to connect present and future generations with genuine local values and traditions which call for upholding tolerant Islamic values and principles, respect for other religions and promotion of cultural and civilisational exchange and interaction.'' ''Our participation in these games followed the directives of the leadership which call for promoting cultural diversity and opening up to other cultures, extending channels of communication and bonds of love and peace with other nations,'' he added.

The World Nomad Games are designed to celebrate the nomadic heritage of the Central Asian nations and kicked off with a lavish opening ceremony. 40 countries, some of which have long nomadic histories are participating.

The mission of the Games centres on revival and preservation of historical cultural heritage of the nomadic people’s civilization.

The Games aim to show the world the greatness of nomadic civilisation and the world values of peace, culture and life of each ethnic group in the nomadic world.

A scientific conference on the theme, "Nomadic civilisation: Historical Heritage and Modernity," will be held during the event.

WAM/tfaham