The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, spoke at the forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Kazan, emphasizing the importance of cultural and humanitarian dialogue and putting forward a number of initiatives. This was reported by the online resource AsmanNews.
Hero-Arkadag thanked the leadership of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Russian side for the invitation to “KazanForum 2026” and noted that the platform contributes to the development of international cooperation.
The speech focused on the role of education, science, and culture in strengthening mutual understanding and sustainable development. The importance of preserving cultural diversity and enhancing cooperation in the humanitarian sphere was highlighted.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that Turkmenistan’s foreign policy is based on the principles of positive neutrality. This status, confirmed by UN resolutions, is seen as a foundation for the development of international cooperation.
Special attention was paid to cooperation with UNESCO and efforts to preserve cultural heritage. The country has more than 1,500 historical and cultural monuments. Several sites are included in the World Heritage List, while elements of intangible heritage are included in the organization’s relevant lists.
Turkmenistan expressed interest in expanding cooperation with ICESCO and confirmed its intention to obtain observer status. This step is seen as an opportunity to strengthen participation in international humanitarian projects.
Among the initiatives proposed were the development of a strategy for preserving the cultural heritage of Islamic countries, the launch of the program “Islamic Poetic Dialogue: Wisdom and the Connection of Centuries,” and the creation of a “World Anthology of Islamic Poetry.” An idea was also put forward to develop “smart city” diplomacy for exchanging experience among Islamic countries.
In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to contribute to the development of intercivilizational dialogue and the strengthening of international cooperation.