The opening of Aktau City Culture Days, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, took place in Balkanabat, according to the news website Asmannews.

The delegation from Aktau was greeted with warmth and respect. The opening ceremony was held at the State Drama Theatre of the Balkan velayat named after Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy the Great and included an exhibition of fine and decorative arts, books on the national cuisine of Turkmenistan, and a concert.

The programme featured national compositions and dances from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, theatrical scenes about Magtymguly Pyragy and Abay Kunanbayev, and musical performances by Turkmen and Kazakh artists. The finale was a Turkmen dance called ‘kushtdepdi’, symbolising the friendship and unity of the two countries.