Atambayev takes office as Kyrgyz President in a cereony attended by Gul

Almazbek Atambayev has officially taken office as Kyrgyz President in a ceremony held in Bishkek and attended by Turkish President Abdullah Gul yesterday. Speaking at the ceremony, Atambayev said that this would be a new era not only for the Presidential Palace, but also for the entire country. "As the Kyrgyz nation, we could never forget the solidarity and help provided by Turkey, as well as other countries and international institutions," Atambayev said. As a president, Atambayev held his first official meeting with his counterpart Gul. Afterwards, Gul attended a dinner which was given in honor of guests attending the ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony, Gul said that they have witnessed a historic day in Kyrgyzstan, adding, "Today two presidents stand shoulder to shoulder in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. This is a quite exemplary behavior." After completing his official visit, Gul returned to Turkey.