The words of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, that the celebration in honor of the poet and philosopher of the Turkmen people Magtymguly Fragi has spread worldwide, are confirmed by many events this year. Among them, a special place is occupied by the high-level international forum "Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Basis of Peace and Development," held on October 11 in Ashgabat.
The acknowledgments at the forum of the planetary significance of the personality and works of the Turkmen genius, and the enduring value of ideals such as peace, unity, justice and humanism that permeate his poetry, were conveyed to millions around the world not only by national media from many countries but also by Euronews, one of the global media outlets. Their video report on the conference in English became accessible to a global audience.
Speaking at the forum, the head of Turkmenistan said: "The great and rich legacy of Magtymguly has predetermined the foundation of Turkmenistan's foreign policy: his unshakable ideas about peace, justice, humanism, friendship and brotherhood, respect for all and everyone have a significant impact on the interaction with other states." This is one of the main focuses of the Ashgabat forum, expressing the consistent position of neutral Turkmenistan, which considers Magtymguly's legacy not only as a symbol of national pride but also as an effective tool in implementing its diplomatic strategy. The philosophy of peace reflected in Magtymguly Fragi's works and Turkmenistan's neutral diplomacy define the cultural and political identity of the country and its people as creators of spiritual and cultural values.
Magtymguly Fragi was not an outstanding commander or leader, but he became a more authoritative and significant figure, a great teacher and an expression of his people's thoughts and aspirations to whom he gave a voice that resonates around the world today. Like the music of the legendary Shukur Bakhshi, Magtymguly's poetry teaches finding solutions to complex issues and conflicts through peaceful means. The wisdom in his works, shaped by his extensive travels and studies, resonated deeply in Turkmens' hearts, forming the mentality of the nation whose centuries-old history of great ups and heavy downs taught them to value peace and unity as foundations for prosperity.
What Turkmenistan strives to bring to today's world full of tensions and conflicts is the peacemaking and humanistic message of Magtymguly's poetry. This holds special significance ahead of the upcoming International Year of Peace and Trust in 2025, declared by the UN at our country's initiative. At the forum "Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Basis of Peace and Development," which served as a prologue to the upcoming year, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov once again confirmed his country's firm commitment to ideals of peace and constructive cooperation for sustainable development and universal well-being.
The head of state also emphasized that "the legacy of Magtymguly Fragi is our great heritage, and unwavering adherence to his precepts is a sacred duty for everyone. Being committed to his teachings, we will continue to strengthen unity and cohesion among our people, state sovereignty, as well as expand bonds of friendship and brotherhood with countries around the world, good neighborliness, and mutually beneficial cooperation. We are always ready to contribute in favor of peace and balanced development for humanity."