Dear participants of the forum!

I am pleased to greet all the participants of the International Forum “Interrelation of Times and Civilizations – Basis of Peace and Development” in the wonderful city of Ashgabat.

I express my sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan, the esteemed Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, my dear brother, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for the traditionally warm welcome and organization of the event at the highest level.

I would like to emphasize that in the current unstable and challenging situation in the world, when traditional values are being seriously tested, the leadership of Turkmenistan has elevated literature and enlightenment to the level of state policy, turning them into an effective tool for peaceful dialogue in the international arena.

I am certain that today’s conference will become an enormous practical step in strengthening brotherhood between our peoples, bringing our countries closer to each other, and popularizing our rich spiritual heritage throughout the world.

Distinguished heads of delegations!

The blessed land of ancient Turkmenistan nurtured numerous prominent figures in science, culture and art.

Speaking of this, we naturally recall the great sons of the Turkmen people – such famous poets, thinkers and scholars as Azadi, Andalīb, Sheydai, Goibi, Mulla-Nafas.

Among them is the outstanding son of Turkmen people Magtymguly Fragi, who enriched not only Oriental, but also the world literature.

The immortal literary heritage of the great humanist, poet and thinker is aligned with the universal values glorifying peace and harmony, kindness and justice.

At the heart of works of Magtymguly Fragi, whose 300th Anniversary is widely celebrated under the auspices of UNESCO, lies a noble idea: “Kindness, friendship, cooperation, compassion and humaneness shall save the world”.

To understand the soul and heart of the Turkmen people, comprehend the origins of their qualities such as courage, bravery and loyalty to a friend, one should immerse themselves in the spiritual world of Magtymguly.

I am proud to note that the people of Uzbekistan also deeply appreciate and love Magtymguly.

He studied at the Shergazi-khan madrassah in Khiva, where he mastered secular and religious sciences. Moreover, he deeply honored and admired the work of the great Uzbek poet and thinker Alisher Navoi.

Today, the beautiful poems and songs of Magtymguly are constantly heard in our country.

Undoubtedly, his immortal works served to further strengthen the friendly bounds between our peoples sharing brotherly relations since ancient times.

A special decree was signed in Uzbekistan on broad celebration of the 300th Anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi. Literary evenings, contests, conferences and seminars are held to mark this date.

Our theaters stage plays, Uzbek and Turkmen cinematographers produced a joint film about the poet.

The streets and alleys in the capital city and regions of our country are named after Magtymguly. There are monuments in Tashkent and Khiva raised in honor of this brilliant person.

We also deeply appreciate the great respect paid in Turkmenistan to the Uzbek people, our culture, art and national values.

Dear friends!

We are sincerely glad that at the initiative of the leadership of Turkmenistan a majestic memorial complex “Magtymguly Fragi” has been founded. It is a vivid symbol of wisdom and tolerance of the brotherly Turkmen people in its inherent enlightenment.

Such visionary policy and positive neutrality became the basis of the major achievements over the past 30 years in strengthening the statehood and improving the well-being of the people of Turkmenistan.

We commend the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of next year as the International Year of Peace and Trust at the initiative of brotherly Turkmenistan with launching a unique global dialogue platform.

I am confident that the international summit to be held in December next year in Ashgabat will be a significant event along this noble journey. We are ready to extend any necessary assistance to our Turkmen brothers.

Dear friends!

Magtymguly Fragi wrote:

“Oh Almighty! Let the vast expanses blossom,

Let the foundations of our state grow stronger”

The cherished dreams and aspirations of Magtymguly Fragi, who loved his Motherland with a son’s devotion, fought for its bright future, chanted the truth and justice, are indeed coming true today.

We, in Uzbekistan, are joyfully witnessing the rapid development of brotherly Turkmenistan, growth of its international prestige.

Concluding my speech, I wish eternal prosperity to Turkmenistan, the country that gave the world such remarkable figures as Magtymguly Fragi!

May peace and tranquility reign in our countries, and our friendship be everlasting!