I congratulate you on the victory in prestigious contest, Türkmeniň Altyn asyry, and on conferral of honorary titles. I wish you good health, family well-being and great creative achievements, states the Address by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to cultural figures and artists, creative figures and winners of the contest for the prize of the head of state. We place special emphasis on the development of the national culture. Most favorable environment was created in our country for creative activity of poets and novelists, bagshys and musicians, painters and artists. Works carried out in the cultural sphere are highly important for promoting cohesion in the Turkmen society and for inspiring the people to achieve high goals. These days the whole country is preparing to celebrate the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. On the eve of this festive event, Ashgabat will host the first session of Turkmenistan’s People’s Council where we will discuss several pressing issues and adopt relevant decisions. This will affirm the success of major works carried out to improve the people’s well-being and bring the country to the new, higher frontiers, the address stresses. Cultural and recreational activities, conferences and festivals held in the year that celebrates the slogan “Turkmenistan: Heart of the Great Silk Road” give a new impetus to a deeper study of ancient monuments located along the Silk Road, of our glorious past and cultural heritage. They promote national values and their scientific study and preservation, and the worldwide popularization of our richest history. Our country’s creative figures actively participate in cultural functions. They create new contemporary pieces about the Great Silk Road. The historical importance of this ancient route is widely reflected in music and songs, in theatrical performances and movies, in fine art and pieces of decorative and applied art. Novelists, poets, journalists and documentary filmmakers dedicate their works to the significance of the Great Silk Road. All these play a major role in a patriotic education of young people and foster love and respect for spiritual and moral traditions of our ancestors. I trust that, in the future, you will use an artistic approach to fully reflect these outstanding developments in independent neutral Turkmenistan. It is remarkable that the function to commend the winners of Türkmeniň Altyn asyry contest and to confer honorary titles upon creative figures is taking place in Avaza, in the blessed corner of the Turkmen land where friends are found and people’s hearts are filled with happiness and inspiration. I wish you good health, family well-being and new creative achievements, the Presidential Address says.