Ashgabat, September 23 | ORIENT. A gala reception dedicated to National Day of Saudi Arabia, the 95th anniversary of the Kingdom's unification, was held at the Yildiz Hotel in Ashgabat.

The event served as a vivid demonstration of the warm and friendly relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan, as well as an opportunity for dialogue on further strengthening ties.

The festive evening began with a tour of an exhibition in the hotel lobby. The display featured exquisite examples of decorative and applied art, cherished by the hands of master craftsmen.

Miniature installations recreating the comfort and everyday life of traditional Saudi homes were particularly noteworthy. Every detail—from painted vessels to tiny pillows—told a story, offering guests a glimpse into the very heart of Saudi culture.

Eastern sweets and the famous Saudi coffee, qahwa, were also on offer. It is even listed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a common element shared by the Kingdom and several Gulf countries.

This drink, made from light-colored coffee beans with cardamom and other spices, is a symbol of generosity and respect.

Qahwa was served, as is customary, in a special dallah pot, poured into small, handleless cups called finjan.

These cultural elements not only entertained the guests but also allowed them to better understand the culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia.

The gala reception was not only an official event but also a warm platform for friendly interaction. Guests included both adults and children, representatives of various diplomatic missions, and public figures from Turkmenistan. The celebration brought together people of different nationalities and faiths—Muslims, Christians, and representatives of other faiths—in an atmosphere of mutual respect and joy. This event once again demonstrated that culture and friendship can transcend all boundaries, creating the foundation for peace and mutual understanding.

The diplomatic reception continued with official speeches. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri delivered a welcoming address.

In his speech, the Saudi diplomatic representative emphasized the high level of bilateral relations, based on mutual respect and trust, as well as the opportunities for further intensification of cooperation.

The Kingdom was one of the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan's independence and opened its embassy in the capital, Ashgabat, in 1997, as the first embassy of an Arab state, the diplomat noted.

Relations between our two fraternal countries are also characterized by similarities on many international issues and a long history of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including at the international multilateral level.

We are currently working to build an effective partnership that matches the enormous potential and high aspirations of both countries, which will benefit our fraternal peoples, the Ambassador said.

Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri expressed deep gratitude to the Turkmen side for its hospitality and cordiality, also extending congratulations on the upcoming significant dates – Turkmenistan's Independence Day and the 30th anniversary of neutrality.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan.

He noted the friendly nature of Turkmen-Saudi relations and emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to developing cooperation with the Kingdom.

The Deputy Prime Minister named the fuel and energy, trade, investment, transport and communications sectors, the chemical industry, textiles, agriculture, and mining as promising areas for cooperation.

At the same time, they noted significant opportunities for joint work in healthcare, sports, science, education, and religion.

Turkmenistan is committed to close cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and the Central Asian states, Atagulyev emphasized, noting that this dialogue opens up significant opportunities for peace and prosperity for our peoples.

We also expect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with Arab countries, to participate in a representative delegation at the celebrations to be held in Ashgabat this December.

The central event of the anticipated festivities will be a major international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, the Deputy Prime Minister said.

After the official ceremony, guests were able to fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. They were treated to exquisite dishes of traditional Arabic cuisine, the aroma of which wafted throughout the hall.

The centerpiece was "mandi," a signature dish of Saudi Arabia. This delicious, melt-in-your-mouth smoked lamb is served over fluffy, aromatic rice.

The dish itself reflects the traditional hospitality and festive spirit of the Kingdom.

Candles and Arabic music, accompanying the vibrant video footage shown on monitors, added a special touch. This also created an atmosphere of immersion in the culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia.

National Day is celebrated in Saudi Arabia annually on September 23. It is one of the most important public holidays, commemorating a historic event: the unification of the states of the Arabian Peninsula into a single monarchy, known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This occurred on September 23, 1932, thanks to the efforts of King Abdulaziz ibn Saud. The holiday is a symbol of national unity, sovereignty, and progress, as well as a tribute to the country's rich heritage and its aspirations for the future.

From its founding to the present, Saudi Arabia, thanks to its wise leadership, has demonstrated monumental transformation, investing in its significant economic potential and abundant natural resources. The Kingdom has diversified its economy into sectors such as industry, tourism, technology, and culture.

At the social level, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has seen significant changes in key areas such as education, healthcare, and women's rights.

All of this forms the foundation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, which clearly defines strategic horizons and key development features. The Kingdom's annual National Day is an event that embodies the people's pride in their country and its rich history.

This event reflects the spirit of national unity and mutual belonging that Saudis feel for their country, and also promotes values ​​such as work and dedication, which have made a significant contribution to the process of building and developing the state in all areas.

Bekdurdy AMANSARYEV