Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) Sultan Raev.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the time given and the opportunity to discuss priority issues of cooperation, the guest emphasized that it was a great honor for him to be received by the head of the Turkmen state. In this regard, it was noted that TURKSOY highly appreciates the support rendered by Turkmenistan in the development of multifaceted cooperation in the format of this International Organization, the significant contribution of our country to the popularization of the richest cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples in the world.

Welcoming the Secretary General of TURKSOY, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Sultan Raev on his election to this position and wished him success in his responsible activities. The head of state also noted with satisfaction the fruitful nature of the established dialogue with this International Organization, which meets the goals of strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood, positive cooperation between peoples united by common historical, spiritual and cultural values.

During the interested exchange of views on key aspects of traditional partnership that took place during the meeting, the presence of favorable prospects was emphasized for further deepening contacts in culture and art, stimulating scientific research in this area, mutually beneficial creative exchanges, and joint events. In this regard, the topics of the 30^th anniversary of TURKSOY, which will be celebrated next year, and the celebration of the 300^th anniversary of the great poet and philosopher Makhtumkuli Fragi in 2024 were touched upon.

As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted, one of the main directions of Turkmenistan’s state policy is the preservation and in-depth study of the unique historical and cultural heritage and original national traditions of the Turkmen people, passed down from generation to generation, and their wide popularization in the international space. Implementing a peaceful, creative foreign policy, our country attaches great importance to the promotion of cultural diplomacy.

In this context, the head of state thanked the guest and in his person the entire Permanent Council of TURKSOY for the decision to declare 2024 “The year of the great poet and thinker of the Turkic world – Makhtumkuli Fragi”, and the ancient Turkmen city of Anau – the cultural capital of the Turkic world for the same year.

As it was noted, the proclamation of 2024 as the Year of Makhtumkuli Fragi is a tribute to the high respect and veneration of the outstanding humanist poet, a classic of Turkmen and world literature, who praised the ideals of peace, friendship and kindness in his works. In addition, the announcement of Anau as the cultural capital of the Turkic world will give the city abundant scope to demonstrate its rich historical and cultural heritage and tourist potential, as well as will serve to popularize the sights of Turkmenistan in the world.

The conviction was expressed that events of such scale will give new incentives to the intensification of interstate cooperation within the framework of TURKSOY, which will promote the further development of the rich Turkic culture, which has so much in common.

Expressing deep gratitude to the head of Turkmenistan for the meaningful, substantive conversation that took place, Secretary General TURKSOY underlined that our country demonstrates an initiative, constructive approach to strengthening humanitarian ties between states and peoples not only of the Turkic world, but also of the entire planet, which meets the interests of common well-being and prosperity.

At the end of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and his guest expressed confidence that cooperation in the TURKSOY format will continue to develop successfully, gaining new content and facilitating the development of fruitful intercultural dialogue in the regional and global dimensions.