Today, a festive concert was held to celebrate the International Day of Neutrality with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, adding to the significance of the event.
Neutrality, equality and good neighborliness are fundamental principles that guide our state in international relations and foreign policy. Time has shown that the policy of neutrality fully aligns with national interests and the goals of the United Nations.
As is well known, Turkmenistan's proposals for enhancing trade and economic relations, energy and environmental security, environmental protection, and the creation of international transport corridors have received widespread support worldwide. In this regard, the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat serve as evidence of the international community's recognition of our peaceful foreign policy.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived at the capital's "Mejlisler merkezi," the venue for the festive concert.
Here, the head of state was warmly welcomed.
Another step in the country's consistent efforts to promote a culture of peaceful and trusting dialogue in the international community was the adoption on March 21, 2024, at the 63rd plenary meeting of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly of a resolution proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This initiative of Turkmenistan, co-authored by 86 countries, aims to develop a Global Security Strategy based on the principles of the UN Charter and universally recognized norms of international law, taking into account current realities and global development trends.
As an integral part of the policy of positive neutrality implemented under President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's leadership, cultural diplomacy symbolizes the triumph of peace, friendship, mutual understanding, high goals and principles of humanism, uniting peoples for a bright future. This idea was embedded in today's concert and creatively interpreted in its vibrant and original performances.
Under the arches of the capital's "Mejlisler merkezi," there is an atmosphere of special solemnity and universal enthusiasm. The festive event was attended by members of the Government, leaders and representatives of ministries and departments, public organizations, heads of diplomatic missions and authoritative international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, ambassadors of Turkmenistan to foreign countries, creative intelligentsia, elders, students and media representatives.
Among the audience were also numerous foreign guests, including participants of international forums held on the eve of the holiday in Turkmenistan's capital. Their participation in the celebrations symbolically underscores the success of independent neutral Turkmenistan's peaceful foreign policy course and the commitment of current and future generations to principles of good neighborliness and international cooperation.
A magnificent overture to the concert by masters of art from across the country was a patriotic literary-musical composition titled "Ýurt Bitarap, toýlar tutýar Arkadagly Serdarym!" performed by the folk ensemble "Dokmaçylar," which enhanced feelings of pride for today's beloved homeland—a peacemaker state striving toward new heights of progress under President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's leadership.
A true gift for the audience was the beloved Turkmen song "Ýaşasyn parahat durmuş!" with lyrics by Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, performed by a soloist together with artists from the Turkmen State Choir and a combined ensemble of folk groups. This piece sounded like an anthem to a country where each day is filled with great victories, labor achievements and national celebrations.
The song "Alkyş Size, Gahryman Arkadagly Serdarymyz!" praising President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's policies, was received with enthusiasm.
The concert program included a performance by the country's honored artist and musicians with the piece "Parahatçylyk sazy, dostluk, doganlyk sazy," featuring melodies rich in national color that complemented each other.
A creative gift for the significant holiday was prepared by the People's Artist and the choir of the Turkmen National Conservatory named after Mai Kuliyeva. They performed a song with lyrics by Magtymguly Fragi titled "Türkmen binasy."
The performance was adorned by young Turkmen dancers—the future of our independent homeland—from dance groups "Ruhubelent çagalar" and "Şowhun."
The concert program consisted of performances by well-known national artists and young popular singers, characterized by a unique journey across countries and continents. Festive musical greetings were delivered by vocalists performing folk and contemporary songs about love and friendship, celebrating the beauty of the world in Azerbaijani, English, Armenian, Indian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Russian, Tajik, Turkish and Uzbek languages. The melodies and songs were accompanied by dances and received great applause from the audience, reflecting high appreciation for the performers' talent.
Special tone to the concert was set by choreographic groups "Näzli," "Meňli," "Aşgabat," folk groups "Galkynyş," "Serpaý," and the dance ensemble of Danatar Ovezov Turkmen State Special Music School at Mai Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory. Their medley "Toý gününde" added a special emotional tone. The dance ensembles in bright national costumes of various peoples magnificently performed Azerbaijani, Armenian, Afghan, Indian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Russian, Turkish and Uzbek dances, concluding this colorful choreographic presentation with a composition highlighting the unifying power of art.
The musical-choreographic composition "Toý bu gün," dedicated to our beloved homeland, peace, progress and prosperity, performed by a combined ensemble of folk groups and dance troupes "Serpaý," "Ahal öwüşginleri," was met with thunderous applause.
The original tones brought to the festive concert canvas by the folk group "Miras" captivated everyone with their performance of the kushtdepdi dance.
Kushtdepdi is a colorful example of folk creativity reflecting a symbiosis of historical-cultural traditions and spiritual experience of the nation. Due to its unique national art of singing and dancing, it was included in 2017 in UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Standing ovations greeted the patriotic song "Şöhrat Size, Gahryman Arkadagymyz, Arkadagly Gahryman Serdarymyz!" which became a powerful final chord of the concert. In this piece, participants celebrated our independent homeland where grand transformations are being carried out for the people's benefit under President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's progressive policies for further prosperity in Turkmenistan.
At the end of the festive concert, as a token of gratitude, representatives of the younger generation presented bouquets to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his constant care for the bright future of happy children in our homeland. The head of state also gave gifts to the children.
After concluding remarks congratulating everyone on International Neutrality Day again, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed from the event venue.
