The closing ceremony of the Year of Culture of the People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan took place in the capital today. The PRC delegation that arrived in our country on this occasion included leaders and employees of specialized structures, masters of music, dance, acrobatics, as well as mass media representatives – journalists from the Renmin Ribao newspaper and the Xinhua News Agency.

Initiated by the heads of two friendly states – President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping – the creative event became another significant contribution to the expansion of cultural interaction between our peoples.

Turkmen-Chinese cooperation in the humanitarian sphere has centuries-old experience and rich traditions, and is based on a deep understanding of the role of spiritual values in the development of the nation. Evidence of such active interaction is the festivals, scientific conferences, and exhibitions held in Turkmenistan and China with the participation of creative workers, cultural figures and masters of art from both countries.

It should be noted that in November last year, Mary city, which has long been considered as the “Gateway to Central Asia”, and now has become a sister city of Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, where the Great Silk Road originated, hosted a three-day youth forum “New Epoch of the Great Silk Road”. The proposal to hold it was voiced by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the first Summit of Heads of State of the “Central Asia – China” format in Xi’an in May, 2023.

Today, on the final evening of the Year of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, numerous art admirers of the friendly country gathered at the Mukam Palace of the State Cultural Center.

As it was emphasized at the closing ceremony of the creative campaign, various events held in Turkmenistan within the framework of the Year of Culture served to establish new fruitful creative and professional contacts between representatives of the specialized spheres of the two countries, strengthening the multifaceted ties of our peoples. The speakers noted that today steps are being taken to steadily increase bilateral partnership, thereby confirming the firm commitment of our states to the centuries-old traditions of friendship and mutual understanding, dating back to the epoch of the Great Silk Road.

The participants of this event expressed sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping for the opportunity to organize a creative forum, the purpose of which is to strengthen and enrich the existing spiritual ties between the Turkmen and Chinese peoples with new content.

The concert that followed included performances by artists from the Hangzhou Opera and Dance Drama Theater, the Twelve Xiantai art group, as well as bright song, dance and acrobatic compositions, where the nature of the characters was expressed not only by gestures and facial expressions, but also by a unique make-up, distinguished by a wide palette paints.

National costumes and music, original and refined acrobatic performances provided the audience with the opportunity to feel the spirit of ancient and modern China, and appreciate the incredible choreography and magic of circus art passed down from generation to generation.

The concert program opened with the composition “Joyful Chinese New Year,” in which fiery melodies and dances created an atmosphere in the hall to celebrate the traditional holiday of the Celestial Empire.

The audience was particularly enthusiastic about the number “Race Horses”, performed with modern elements on the ancient Chinese bowed musical instrument “erhu”. The audience was also impressed by the solo performance on the “pipa”, an ancient national plucked instrument.

The dance “Prosperity of the Great Silk Road”, presented in a combination of classics and modernity, narrated the magnificent epic of this legendary route, which once ran through the territory of Central Asia to Europe, which largely promoted the formation of significant cultural and trade centers that facilitated the development of world civilization.

The audience greeted the number “Quintessence of National Culture” with thunderous applause, reflecting the essence of traditional Chinese opera. The performances of fragments from Beijing, Henan and Shaoxing operas gave everyone the opportunity to become familiar with the unique musical art of China.

Performed by artists who revive traditional acrobatics in their work and create new theatrical performances, numbers were presented that combined the fragility of ballet choreography and daring stunts.

Masters of art from the Middle Kingdom, who conquered the whole world with their interesting, talented and complex productions, gave the people of Turkmenistan unforgettable moments, vivid impressions and were appreciated with prolonged applause.

As part of the cultural program, the Chinese delegation visited the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet, and a tour of the sights of Ashgabat was planned for the guests.

Thus, the successfully completed program of the Year of Culture of the People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan demonstrated the growing role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening fruitful interstate cooperation and friendly ties between our peoples.