President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity among regional countries to bolster cultural and economic cooperation.
He made these remarks at the International Forum on “Interrelation of Times and Civilizations—Basis of Peace and Development” in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Friday.
The forum is being held to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Magtymguly Faragi, a prominent Turkmen thinker, poet, and philosopher.
President Zardari highlighted the deep-rooted bond of brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, founded on mutual respect, shared faith, and a common vision for a peaceful future. He expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Turkmenistan for organizing this significant event aimed at fostering understanding, peace, and dialogue among cultures.
He also noted the similarities between Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and Makhdum Gulli Fraghi, a notable figure in Turkmen literature, particularly in their shared themes of Sufism and nationalism.
Zardari commended Turkmenistan’s President, Sardar Berdi Muhammedov, for hosting this forum, which not only honors the legacy of Makhdum Gulli Fraghi but also facilitates interaction among the leadership of regional nations to strengthen friendships.
Additionally, he congratulated the Turkmen people on the announcement of 2024 as the “Year of the Great Poet and Thinker of the Turkic World—Makhdum Gulli.”
The President expressed confidence that the discussions and exchanges at the conference would not only honor Makhdum Gulli’s memory but also open new avenues for cultural collaboration between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
