Oriented on making people closer

The visit of National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, was marked by a number of events highlighting the inextricable link between historical traditions and modern vectors of innovative development.

One of the highlights of the program was a visit to the Kazan International Equestrian Complex, where Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, together with Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, learned about best practices in the development of the equestrian industry.

The distinguished guest and the head of Tatarstan toured a large-scale exhibition of agricultural products and watched horse races, where Turkmen master jockeys once again confirmed the international reputation of the national equestrian school.

The successful triumph of the Turkmen riders in the races, where prizes were established in honor of the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, was a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of Turkmenistan's state policy to preserve and promote the unique heritage of equestrianism.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's participation in the forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was of particular importance for strengthening multilateral dialogue. Addressing the participants of the high-level meeting, the National Leader of the Turkmen people thanked the Russian side for the warm welcome and emphasized the role of the KazanForum as a prestigious platform for integration.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the profound humanistic foundation of Islam and put forward a number of conceptual initiatives aimed at consolidating efforts in science, education, and culture. A significant milestone during the visit was Turkmenistan's assignment of observer status in the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), opening new horizons for the systematic exchange of best practices and the implementation of joint educational programs.

In his speech, the National Leader proposed developing a long-term ISESCO Strategy for the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of Islamic countries, using modern digital platforms, virtual museums, and online galleries. The program "Islamic Poetic Dialogue: Wisdom and Connection of Ages," initiated by Turkmenistan, is intended to be a major contribution to the global treasury of thought. It proposed creating a "World Anthology of Islamic Poetry."

Particular attention was paid to the development of the concept of "Smart Cities Diplomacy" in the Islamic world. Building on Turkmenistan's successful experience in creating smart urban spaces, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty proposed establishing professional knowledge-sharing mechanisms in this promising sector. A symbolic conclusion of the forum was the announcement by ISESCO Director General Salim Al Malik that work had begun on declaring Ashgabat the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028.

The country's economic and industrial potential was widely represented in the national pavilion of Turkmenistan at the "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" exhibition. The exhibition showcased the impressive achievements of the oil and gas sector, the chemical industry, the textile industry, and the rapidly developing electronics industry. Pavilion guests were able to appreciate not only the technological achievements and export potential of the private sector but also the richness of national character at the Muslim Fashion Festival, where Turkmen garments embodied the elegance and mastery of tailoring.

The conclusion of the visit and the warm farewell at Gabdulla Tukay International Airport confirmed that Turkmen-Tatarstan relations, rooted in shared spiritual roots, have reached a qualitatively new level, becoming a benchmark for interregional cooperation within the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Russia.

Photo: rais.tatarstan.ru