The two-day visit of the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Azerbaijan ended with a rich cultural program, which vividly demonstrated the depth of historical ties and mutual respect between the two fraternal peoples. On July 17, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the cities of Fizuli and Shusha, got acquainted with the sights.

At the Fizuli International Airport, where the distinguished guest was met by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received detailed information about the developing aviation infrastructure of the region. He was told about the Fizuli, Lachin and Zangilan International Airports, which were successively opened in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

After that, Ilham Aliyev and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov went to the city of Shusha by car. On the way, the head of the Khalk Maslakhaty was familiarized with the construction projects being implemented in the city of Fizuli. The "smart city" concept will be applied here. It is noteworthy that a similar advanced model, including digital, information and communication and "green" technologies, has already been successfully implemented in the Turkmen city of Arkadag.

In Shusha, which is rightfully considered the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, the distinguished guests visited a new residential complex. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also got acquainted with the progress of construction of the new Shusha mosque, which is planned to be completed next year by an Italian company and Azerbaijani architects.

The cultural program continued at the Creativity Center in Shusha, where Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Ilham Aliyev visited a photo exhibition dedicated to Heydar Aliyev. The exhibition, located in a building that is an architectural monument of national significance, vividly presented the contribution of the national leader of Azerbaijan to the development of the country. Heydar Aliyev's special attention to the development of Shusha was emphasized.

The visit continued at the Shusha Fortress, built in 1752, after which the leaders visited the house-museum of the famous Azerbaijani opera singer Bulbul. The distinguished guests were introduced to the exposition, which tells about the childhood, creative and scientific activities of the founder of Azerbaijani vocal art, by his son, People's Artist of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan Polat Bulbul oglu. Let us recall that in 2017, he was awarded the title of "People's Artist of Turkmenistan" for his special contribution to strengthening friendship between the peoples. The National Leader of Turkmenistan highly appreciated the importance of such museums for preserving cultural heritage.

The program also included a visit to the Govher Aga Mosque, one of the outstanding architectural monuments of Shusha, where prayers were offered for the peaceful and prosperous life of the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples, as well as the Mehmandarovs' estate complex, a unique example of Azerbaijani architecture of the 18th century.

The final chord of the visit was a visit to the Jidir Plain, a historical site of celebrations and horse races. Here, impressive demonstration performances of riders and a presentation of Karabakh horses took place for the distinguished guests.

It should be noted that the Turkmen people also pay special attention to horses, which have been their companions for thousands of years. Thanks to the National Leader of the Turkmen people - a connoisseur of "heavenly" horses, Akhal-Teke horses in the new historical period have become a symbol of rapidly developing Turkmenistan.

On the initiative of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group was created in 2007. Currently, this group is known not only in our country, but also far beyond its borders. It has performed in various countries and has been awarded a number of prestigious international awards.

As a sign of deep respect and strong friendship, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan was solemnly presented with a Karabakh horse named Dostluk. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov accepted this gift as a symbol of unbreakable Turkmen-Azerbaijani ties.

At the end of the visit, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, expressing gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the high level of organization and the opportunity to deeply familiarize himself with the historical and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan, departed for his homeland from Fizuli International Airport.

The visit of National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Azerbaijan was a landmark event that confirmed the continued commitment of both sides to a strategic partnership based on centuries-old friendship and mutual respect.

The negotiations and an extensive cultural program demonstrated the depth and versatility of the interstate dialogue, covering not only political and economic, but also close cultural and humanitarian ties.

The exchange of experience in the field of urban development, joint veneration of cultural heritage and the symbolic act of gifting a horse named Dostluk (Friendship) cemented this visit as a new milestone in the development of fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the two fraternal peoples.

ORIENT