On Victory Day, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ashgabat gave a festive reception, inviting veterans, diplomats, journalists from local and foreign media accredited in the country, and other guests.

Charge d'Affaires Pyotr Shchukin delivered a greeting from Russia, who noted the contribution of Turkmenistan to the Victory. This is both a feat of arms of the Turkmen people who fought on the fronts, and a huge role in logistical support, when Turkmenistan concentrated defense production facilities, which were evacuated from frontal territories.

“During the war, the Turkmen people cordially received thousands of evacuees, many of whom found their second homeland here. I am sure that the brotherhood of our peoples, hardened during the war years, will continue to serve as a reliable foundation for the strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan,” Shchukin said.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Vepa Khadzhiev said that about 300,000 Turkmen citizens, soldiers and officers, shoulder to shoulder with representatives of other peoples of the Soviet Union, fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. About a third of them laid down their heads. 78 thousand were awarded orders and medals. 112 of them received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

He also said that during the war years, almost 7.5 tons of silver and gold were transferred from Turkmenistan to the All-Union Defense Fund, which accounted for about 80% of all precious metals collected throughout the union. They produced seven squadrons of combat aircraft and five tank columns.

“We will continue to take measures to preserve the historical memory of the tragic years of the Great Patriotic War,” Khadzhiev stressed.

ORIENT news