Pakistani Ambassador Offers to Expand Cooperation in the Arts
Pakistani Ambassador in Art A cultural and culinary event organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Turkmenistan was held at the Yıldız Hotel in the capital. The event was aimed at introducing the culture, musical art and national cuisine of Pakistan.
The Pakistani side was represented at the event by the Ambassador of this country to Turkmenistan, Faryal Legari, and the Turkmen side was represented by the Minister of Culture, Atageldı Shamyradov. The heads of diplomatic missions of various countries also participated in the event.
During the event, Ambassador Faryal Legari congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of Neutrality. She noted that this date coincides with the declaration of 2025 by the UN as the International Year of Peace and Confidence-Building. The diplomat noted that Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality was first put forward by former President Saparmurat Niyazov at the ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) summit in 1995.
The Ambassador noted that Pakistan and Turkmenistan have deep historical and cultural ties that go back to the ancient Great Silk Road. He noted the commonality of Sufi ideas and spiritual heritage between the two countries — figures such as Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Pakistan and Magtymguly Fragi in Turkmenistan were cited as symbols of this spiritual connection.
Faryal Legari proposed to carry out joint work to strengthen cultural exchange between the two countries. She suggested holding joint art exhibitions, exchanging artists, cooperation in textiles and fashion, harmonizing culinary traditions, organizing poetry readings, showing films, and organizing concerts as areas of cooperation.
The ambassador also said that he was ready to deliver speeches on general culture, history, literature, and international relations at higher educational institutions and cultural centers of Turkmenistan, which would be held as a sign of respect for the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov expressed gratitude for the organized event and noted the similarities between the cultures and cuisines of Pakistan and Turkmenistan. He noted that Turkmen cultural workers perform Pakistani songs and translate them into Turkmen.
During the event, the guests were served various dishes of Pakistani cuisine. The evening event continued with musical performances, during which Turkmen singers and musicians performed Pakistani compositions. He proposed expanding cooperation
