A solemn opening ceremony of the Year of Chinese Culture in Turkmenistan took place in the capital city today.

This grand creative initiative, initiated by the leaders of the two friendly countries, is aimed to familiarize the people of Turkmenistan with the wide range of art of the Chinese people, its unique customs, traditions and cultural achievements.

Strengthening fruitful relations with the People's Republic of China is one of the key vectors of the Fatherland’s foreign policy course pursued under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The growing dynamics of bilateral relations in recent years is driven by the desire of our countries to elevate strategic and multi-dimensional cooperation to a qualitatively new level. This has been reaffirmed during the visits of the head of Turkmenistan to China in January and May of this year.

A significant contribution to the development of Turkmen-Chinese interaction has been made by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In this context, special importance is attached to the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership, signed in September 2013. This historic choice, which is in line with the fundamental interests of our countries and peoples, has predetermined the growing dynamics of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation across its entire spectrum.

The trust-based dialogue between the two states is facilitated by the proximity or coincidence of positions on key issues on the global agenda, as well as their active interaction and mutual support of initiatives within major international organizations and reputable regional structures, including the "Central Asia-China" format.

It is worth noting that both parties are taking steps towards steadily enhancing their productive partnership, thereby demonstrating a firm commitment to the centuries-old traditions of friendship and mutual understanding dating back to the era of the Great Silk Road.

The reliance on deep-rooted spiritual and moral values unites our nations in the present stage of relations. One of the evidences of this is the visit of the Hero-Arkadag to the People's Republic of China, during which the spouse of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Ogulgerek Berdimuhamedova, participated in cultural events, including a visit to the National Arts and Crafts Museum and the Chinese Museum of Women and Children.

The opening of the National Exhibition dedicated to Turkmen carpets and handicrafts took place with the participation of the honorary guest and Ms. Shen Yueyue, Vice-Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, President of the All-China Women's Federation. The exhibition acquainted the residents and guests of the Chinese capital with the vibrant palette of art of Turkmen people.

During the event, the granddaughter of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan,Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov skillfully demonstrated the method of weaving aladzha to the visitors of the exhibition. This is a vivid testimony that the ancient traditions of our people are being passed down from generation to generation in a worthy manner.

Today, Ashgabat warmly welcomes representatives of the culture and art of a friendly country. The delegation that arrived in Turkmenistan on this occasion includes leaders and employees of relevant organizations, masters of musical art, as well as acrobats.

Go Honglian, Chargé d'Affaires of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming speech in the Palace of Mukams of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan, where the grand opening ceremony of the Year of Culture of the People's Republic of China in our country took place. As the diplomat noted, the leaders of the two countries maintain regular strategic contacts, determine the directions of cooperation for the future, which contributes to the activation of Turkmen-Chinese relations in various fields.

The welcoming speech of Liu Hairong, Deputy Chief of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Shanxi Province, emphasized the significance of the current creative campaign in strengthening peace and friendship, enriching cultures, and mutual understanding between our peoples, as well as expanding humanitarian dialogue.

The participants of the event expressed their gratitude to the heads of the two friendly states for the opportunity to organize a creative forum aimed at strengthening and enriching the longstanding spiritual ties between the Turkmen and Chinese peoples with new content.

After the formal part, a concert took place, which included dances, songs, excerpts from the opera "Qin," and musical compositions reflecting the ethnic characteristics of the peoples who lived along the route of the Silk Road.

Bright costumes, national music and original performances gave the audience an opportunity to feel the spirit of ancient and modern China, appreciate the incredible choreography and the magic of art passed down from generation to generation. In their performances, the artists skillfully combined dance rhythms, gymnastic and acrobatic tricks.

The masters of arts from China, who have conquered the world with their interesting and complex productions, gave the people of Turkmenistan unforgettable impressions and were duly appreciated with friendly applause from the audience.

The composition "Dance of Court Maids with Hairpins" vividly depicts the scene of the great Tang dynasty, portraying the leisurely life of noblewomen enjoying flowers and gardens.

The song "When the Bright Moon Rises," performed by He Yilin, was warmly received by the audience with enthusiastic applause. Its melody, with a profound artistic concept, reflects the ancient literati's thoughts on life and nature.

One of the standout performances was the "Dance of Neon Feathers," which showcased the famous palace music and choreography of the Tang dynasty.

Beijing Opera is the most renowned form of theatrical art and is recognized as a national treasure of China. It harmoniously combines vibrant costumes, makeup, dramatic performances, singing, dialogue, pantomime, acrobatic combat and dance.

In 2010, this classical form of art from China was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, preserving its artistic and cognitive value not only for Chinese culture but also for humanity as a whole.

The current event was given a special atmosphere by a photo exhibition held in the foyer of the Palace of Mukams. The exhibition showcases the works of Chinese photographers dedicated to the unique nature of China.

This creative forum, which has sparked sincere interest among the people of Turkmenistan, has demonstrated the closeness of our nations, the strength of historical and spiritual connections, and has opened a new chapter in Turkmen-Chinese cultural interaction. Both countries are committed to systematically enhancing and enriching the centuries-old relations of friendship and brotherhood.