Oriented on making people closer

Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ivan Volynkin gave an interview to ORIENT:

– Mr. Ambassador, let me express my gratitude to you for the opportunity to ask you questions. The first of them: what key elements of interaction between Turkmenistan and Russia can you highlight in the context of the strategic partnership between our countries?

– Thank you for your question. First of all, I would like to note the intensive dialogue at the highest level. Our leaders regularly communicate by phone and meet in person. Thus, this year, President of Turkmenistan, the esteemed Serdar Gurbangulyevich Berdimuhamedov, visited Moscow in May and October. Most recently, Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin flew to Ashgabat for the International Forum “The Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Foundation of Peace and Development”, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding poet and thinker Magtymguly Fragi.

In addition, in May, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, respected Gurbanguly Myalikgulyevich Berdimuhamedov arrived in Russia to participate in the XV International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World". Continuing this dynamic, high-ranking Turkmen guests have been invited to Kazan for the upcoming BRICS summit. A traditional informal meeting of the heads of state of the CIS is planned for December in St. Petersburg.

All this once again confirms that the leadership of our countries maintains trusting communication in line with strategic partnership. I can assure you that Moscow highly values ​​the historically established good relations with Ashgabat, which are based on the principles of mutual respect and equality.

– How do you assess the level of organization of international events in Turkmenistan, and what impressions did you have from the recent forum in honor of the anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi?

– You know, I have been working in your wonderful country for the second year now and I can say with confidence that the highest level of organization of international events is the hallmark of Turkmenistan. As you remember, in May, a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS was held in Ashgabat with the participation of Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin. In September, a representative group of delegates gathered for the capital's investment forum.

Finally, this month, representatives of 24 countries, including 10 top officials, as well as the heads of 8 international organizations, gathered in Ashgabat to mark the 300th anniversary of prominent poet and philosopher Magtymguly Fragi. On the same days, an impressive exhibition “Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Era of Revival of a New Era of a Powerful State” was held.

The successful holding of these significant events once again confirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to host any important international event, and its unique, truly neutral status gives it the opportunity to become a platform for summits on the most complex issues on the global agenda.

I would like to separately emphasize the excellent infrastructure of Ashgabat – wide avenues, fashionable hotels, modern meeting and negotiation venues. Our Russian colleagues, who come to the “White City” for the first time, are invariably amazed by its ideal cleanliness and well-thought-out layout. It is not for nothing that Ashgabat is called the pearl of Central Asia.

– Mr. Ambassador, Russia has joined the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi. What, in your opinion, is the significance of the legacy of the Turkmen classic in the modern interaction between the two countries?

– It is a historical fact that Magtymguly Fragi lived for some time in the village of Funtovo in the Astrakhan region. By the way, it is symbolic that it was there in 2019 that, on the initiative of respected Gurbanguly Myalikgulyevich Berdimuhamedov, a school was built, which was named after the great poet and thinker of the East.

As you know, the 300th anniversary of the Turkmen classic is widely celebrated in Russia. Thematic festivals, scientific conferences, round tables, seminars, exhibitions and other cultural events were held in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Astrakhan. And this is far from a complete geography of the celebrations that have taken place and will take place in Russia.

Also, recently, on September 30, in Moscow, in the atrium of the All-Russian State Library of Foreign Literature named after M.I. Rudomino, a solemn ceremony of opening a bust of Magtymguly Fragi took place. The issue of erecting a monument to the poet in St. Petersburg is on the agenda.

In his speech at the plenary session of the International Forum "Interconnection of Times and Civilizations - the Foundation of Peace and Development", Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin noted that Magtymguly Fragi's books were kept at home as a sacred relic, and during the Great Patriotic War, Turkmen soldiers strengthened their fighting spirit by reading the poet's poems, including in letters from their relatives and friends that came from home.

There is a story when a volume of Magtymguly Fragi literally saved the life of our soldier. During one of the battles, a fascist bullet could not penetrate the collection of poems lying in the soldier's breast pocket. As far as I know, to this day this unique exhibit is kept in the museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. And this incident happened to the well-known scientist and writer Seyitniyaz Atayev.

To sum up, I fully support the words of our President that Magtymguly Fragi is deservedly considered a great humanist, the founder of Turkmen poetry and literature, and his works and rich creative heritage are rightfully included in the golden fund of world culture.

– Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced key ideas at the forum in Ashgabat that are consistent with the philosophy of Magtymguly...

– In the second part of his speech, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin spoke about the Russian vision of the modern system of international relations and the world order as a whole. He noted that "universal peace and comprehensive development can only be ensured by taking into account the opinion of each nation, while respecting the right of each state to its own sovereign course, its own worldview, its own traditions and religious beliefs. At present, Russia seeks to preserve and strengthen its sovereignty and socio-cultural identity, and seeks ways of harmonious development in accordance with its traditions and based on national interests."

I consider it symbolic that both Russia and Turkmenistan act in the international arena, including in the spirit of the philosophical approaches of Magtymguly Fragi. After all, the Turkmen thinker advocated the affirmation of high ideals of friendship and good neighborliness and wisely tried to convey his thoughts to future generations, calling for harmony and responsibility, tolerance and understanding, respect and solidarity.

Within the framework of the Forum, Vladimir Vladimirovich had a fruitful meeting with Gurbanguly Myalikgulyevich. The entire spectrum of multifaceted bilateral cooperation was discussed. The Russian leader emphasized that he had developed good personal and business relations with the President of Turkmenistan and noted that the strategic partnership between our countries was successfully developing. The President of Russia separately noted that the foundations of this trusting and close interaction were laid by National Leader of the Turkmen people, the respected Gurbanguly Myalikgulyevich Berdimuhamedov.

– Ivan Kirillovich, what cultural events that took place this year within the framework of cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan, in your opinion, are the most significant?

– I would like to inform you with satisfaction that the current year has truly become “fruitful” for joint humanitarian projects. Days of Russian Culture in Turkmenistan recently ended, which were memorable for the performances of the State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble of Adygea “Nalmes”, soloist of the Moscow State Academic Philharmonic Dmitry Maleev, as well as thematic exhibitions “Patchwork Mosaic of Russia” and “Planet Tchaikovsky”. Moreover, the stay of Russian artists in Ashgabat was not limited to the stage of the “Palace of Mukams”. As part of the festival, they also held master classes for their Turkmen colleagues.

Earlier this year, Days of Russian Cinema and Animation, screenings of feature films on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Mosfilm film concern, a festival of Russian cuisine, performances by the creative groups "Turetsky Choir" and "Soprano", as well as the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Tatarstan were presented to the attention of the residents of Turkmenistan. All these events are striking examples of the dynamically developing Russian-Turkmen cooperation in the cultural and educational sphere.

– How do you assess the significance of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War for Russian-Turkmen relations, and what events are planned to celebrate it?

– To be honest, I can’t believe that next year will mark 80 years since the Great Victory of the Soviet people over the fascist invaders. I would like to thank the authorities of Turkmenistan for their careful attitude to our common memory and the measures taken to maintain in proper condition the monuments and memorial complexes dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Red Army. It is gratifying to see that Russian initiatives to celebrate Victory Day invariably find a warm response from both the leadership and the residents of the country.

As I have said many times, fascism was defeated, among other things, thanks to the sincere unity of the Soviet people. I hope that in 2025 their descendants in Ashgabat will march in a single line of the Immortal Regiment, thereby paying tribute to the fearlessness and fortitude of their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, who brought long-awaited peace to the planet.

I would like to announce our future projects on the occasion of this significant date. We plan to lay out an Alley of Memory near the walls of the Embassy, hold traditional concerts with songs of those years and screenings of famous military-patriotic films. Traditionally, flower-laying ceremonies at military memorials and creative evenings dedicated to the common Victory over the brown plague will be organized.

In addition, we are working on the release of an album with archival photographs and descriptions of the exploits of natives of the Turkmen land on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War. As long as we remember our native heroes, they will always be alive in our hearts.

– Mr. Ambassador, what can you add about the work of the consular section of the Russian Embassy in Turkmenistan, and what measures are being taken to improve the quality of service to citizens?

– Citizens of Turkmenistan continue to show a constant interest in traveling to Russia. Here are some statistics. In the third quarter of 2024, the consular section of the Embassy issued over 85 thousand visas, of which 18 thousand were student visas and 51 thousand were tourist visas. These figures significantly exceed the results of the third quarter of 2023, and in terms of the number of tourist visas issued, they have more than doubled.

At the same time, despite the large volumes – an average of 200 people a day come to us just to apply for visas – we strive to consult citizens in advance so that by the time they visit the consular section, their documents are as verified as possible, and the visitors themselves are prepared. To do this, we are mastering new interactive approaches in consular work.

Thus, the Embassy staff prepared and posted step-by-step video instructions on how to make an appointment through the electronic queue system and submit an electronic visa application form online.

In September, we organized a practical seminar at the Russian House in Ashgabat, during which anyone could ask questions to the Embassy specialists. This format found a lively response from applicants, and as a result, the conversation lasted about two hours, while, in addition to the consular component, the possibilities of obtaining higher education in Russia and various aspects of Russian migration legislation were discussed.

I am convinced that a formal "paper" approach is not enough to fully work with citizens; live communication plays an extremely important role, providing an opportunity to better understand various situations, which are always individual, and find the best solution.

Every day I read reviews of the activities of the Embassy and its departments, comments and thanks, suggestions for improving the quality of reception of citizens. We value this feedback and try to take into account the opinions of visitors when organizing our work.

– Ivan Kirillovich, let me thank you for taking the time for an interview despite your busy schedule, and also wish you and the staff of the Russian Embassy in Turkmenistan further success in the name of strengthening the friendship and cooperation between our two friendly nations.

ORIENT

Photo: orient.tm