As part of a Korean Week, co-organized in Ashgabat by the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater has hosted a performance by a folk dance band from the friendly country. Colorful national costumes, spectacular stage sets, traditional music and original dance performances by Korean performing artists were welcomed with enthusiastic applause from the packed audience. Participants in the opening ceremony of the Week stressed that the present-day importance of cultural exchanges and popularization of spiritual values and artistic heritage testifies to the fact that humanitarian contacts have an increased role to play in the overall structure of interstate relations and closer traditional bonds of friendship. The event attendees extended their enormous gratitude to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the constructive policy aimed at enhancing a dialogue of cultures, cultivating relations to build shared understanding among nations, and promoting world peace and progress. Korean Weeks in Turkmenistan, Culture Days of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea, concerts given by Korean dance groups in our country, film screenings and other jointly organized humanitarian events serve the same purpose. The ongoing Korean Week boasts a packed and vibrant program of events, including a presentation of traditional Korean dishes organized in the Ýyldyz Hotel, and a scientific seminar entitled “The significance of the Silk Road and its modern understanding”. The theme is centrally important this year (designated as “Turkmenistan - the Heart of the Silk Road”) for strengthening and promoting cooperation with different countries. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov says in his namesake book: “the Turkmens played one of the pivotal roles in the rise and development of the Silk Road, whose every route deserves to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.” Annual artistic exchanges between the two countries’ higher education institutions, thematic exhibitions, festivals and scientific conferences demonstrate a commitment of the peoples of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea to mutual exploration of art, traditions and outlooks. During the Korean Week in Turkmenistan Ashgabat residents and guests to the capital will have the chance to watch films that focus on modern-day and historical context and reflect the characteristic features in the film industry of the Republic of Korea.