Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The first state visit to Uzbekistan by the newly elected President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will undoubtedly contribute to further deepening relations across the entire spectrum of Uzbek-Turkmen mutually beneficial cooperation, giving a powerful impetus to the strategic partnership of the two fraternal countries.

For Uzbekistan, further strengthening of a comprehensive partnership with Turkmenistan is a priority in foreign policy.

The results of the high-level negotiations were reflected in the Joint Statement, as well as a solid package of signed documents and agreements aimed at further development of Uzbek-Turkmen relations in trade, economic, transport and logistics, cultural and humanitarian ties.

It should be noted that the focus is traditionally on the development of cultural and humanitarian ties.

It is no coincidence that the heads of state agreed to strengthen the humanitarian aspect of bilateral relations. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are connected by the presence of a common centuries-old history, culture, language, and traditions. The fraternal peoples of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, living side by side for centuries, were distinguished by a respectful attitude towards each other, and this closeness is a solid foundation in strengthening cultural and humanitarian relations.

In different periods of history, our peoples lived in unified state formations. Among them are the states of Karakhanids, Ghaznavids, Great Seljukids, Khorezmshahs, Temurids. 

The peoples of the two countries highly respected each other’s art, culture and literary works. The common property is the works of the great poet and thinker of the classic of Uzbek literature Alisher Navoi, who had the most direct influence on the work of such famous Turkmen poets as Magtymguly Fragi, Andalib, Mollanepes. 

In Turkmenistan, Uzbek classics are highly valued and highly respected. One of the central streets of Ashgabat was named in honor of Alisher Navoi. On the Central Alley of Inspiration "Ylham", located on this street, a monument to the poet was erected. 

Currently, work is underway in the capital of Turkmenistan on the construction of the Tashkent park, which will undoubtedly become another decoration of the Turkmen capital.

Tashkent also highly honors the classic of Turkmen literature Magtymguly Fragi. So, paying tribute to the creative heritage of the great poet, one of the central streets of Tashkent was given his name and a monument was erected with a bas-relief image of a classic of Turkmen literature. His works and works are studied in educational institutions and are very popular in Uzbekistan.

The Ashgabat Park has been operating in the capital of Uzbekistan since 2018, which has become a vivid symbol of eternal friendship and brotherhood of the Uzbek and Turkmen peoples.

At present, the interaction between academic science, universities, innovation and research centers, museums and libraries of the two countries is deepening even more.

It is gratifying that cultural and art figures, athletes of the two countries actively participate in various concerts, festivals and exhibitions, and sports competitions held in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

In order to better familiarize the world community with the vast cultural and historical heritage of our peoples, the heads of state agreed to jointly promote projects in the field of tourism development.

Within the framework of the Great Silk Road project, mutual trips of tourists from the two countries are organized. Of great importance is the continuation of the practice of holding the Days of Culture and Cinema of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a reciprocal basis.

I am confident that this visit and the agreements reached with fraternal Turkmenistan will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two peoples.

Ramziddin Nazhmiddinovich Gulyamov 

Chief Researcher of the International Institute of Central Asia