A festive concert was held on December 12 in honor of International Neutrality Day, with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which added to the significance of the celebration

Achieving the status of permanent neutrality was an important historical event for independent Turkmenistan, symbolizing its unwavering commitment to the policy of peace, good neighborliness, and cooperation with states and peoples for the universal welfare, prosperity, and progress. The current celebration also holds special state and international significance, reflecting the triumph of our country's foreign policy course as a key factor in promoting a culture of peace in the region and across the globe.

Neutrality, equality, and good neighborliness are the fundamental principles guiding our state in international relations and foreign policy. Time has proven that the policy of neutrality fully aligns with national interests and the goals of the United Nations.

As is well known, Turkmenistan's proposals to enhance trade and economic relations, energy and environmental security, environmental protection, and the creation of international transport corridors are widely supported around the world. In this context, the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat serve as evidence of the global community's recognition of our peace-loving foreign policy.

Moreover, great attention is being paid in our country to the revival of the Great Silk Road, as a unique example of fruitful cultural exchange and dialogue. In this regard, the neutral status of the country creates favorable opportunities for the development of humanitarian relations, which are the fundamental condition for bringing nations and peoples closer. Drawing on its rich historical heritage and national traditions, Turkmenistan is making a worthy contribution to the mutual enrichment of cultures and strengthening the foundations of peace and sustainable development on a global scale.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived at the capital's "Mejlisler merkezi," the venue for the festive concert. He was warmly welcomed here.

An important step in the country’s continuous efforts to promote the culture of peaceful and trustful dialogue in the international community was the adoption of a resolution on March 21, 2024, at the 63rd plenary session of the 78th UN General Assembly, declaring 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This initiative, co-authored by 86 countries, is aimed at developing a Global Security Strategy based on the principles of the UN Charter and widely accepted norms of international law, taking into account current realities and global trends.

Cultural diplomacy, an integral part of the positive neutrality policy implemented under President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's leadership, symbolizes the triumph of peace, friendship, mutual understanding, high goals, and the principles of humanism, uniting nations for a bright future. This idea was embedded in the concept of today’s concert and was creatively reflected in the vibrant and original performances included in its program.

Under the vaulted ceilings of the capital's "Mejlisler merkezi," there is an atmosphere of special solemnity and collective enthusiasm. Government members, leaders and representatives of ministries and departments, public organizations, heads of accredited diplomatic missions and respected international organizations, ambassadors of Turkmenistan to foreign countries, the creative intelligentsia, elders, students, and media took part in the festive event.

Among the audience were also numerous foreign guests, including participants of international forums that took place in the Turkmen capital just before the holiday. Their participation symbolically highlights the success of Turkmenistan's peace-loving foreign policy, as well as the commitment of current and future generations of Turkmens to the principles of good neighborliness and international cooperation.

The concert opened with a patriotic literary and musical composition "Ýurt Bitarap, toýlar tutýar Arkadagly Serdarym!" performed by the folk ensemble "Dokmaçylar," which amplified the sense of pride for the beloved Homeland – a peace-loving and creative state, striving for new heights of progress under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

A real gift for the audience was the beloved song "Ýaşasyn parahat durmuş!" written by Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, performed by the soloist along with the Turkmen State Choir and the united ensemble of folk ensembles. This piece sounded as a hymn to the country, whose every day is filled with great victories, labor achievements, and nationwide celebrations.

The song "Alkyş Size, Gahryman Arkadagly Serdarymyz!" praising President Serdar Berdimuhamedov 's policies was enthusiastically received.

The concert program also included a performance by the distinguished artist of the country and musicians with the number "Parahatçylyk sazy, dostluk, doganlyk sazy," in which melodies with national color harmonized with one another.

A special creative gift for the significant celebration was prepared by the people’s artist and the choir of the Turkmen National Conservatory named after Mai Kuliyeva, who performed a song to the verses of Magtymguly Fragi, "Türkmen binasy."

The performance was decorated by young Turkmens – the future of our independent Motherland – the dance groups "Ruhubelent çagalar" and "Şowhun."

The concert program featured performances by well-known artists and young popular singers, with the main highlight being a kind of journey across countries and continents. The festive musical greetings were presented by vocalists performing folk and modern songs about love and friendship, the beauty of the surrounding world in Azerbaijani, English, Armenian, Indian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Russian, Tajik, Turkish, and Uzbek languages. The melodies and songs were accompanied by dances and were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, which served as a high evaluation of the performers' talent.

The concert’s special tone was set by the performances of the "Näzli," "Meňli," "Aşgabat" choreographic groups, the folk groups "Galkynyş," "Serpaý," and the dance ensemble of the Turkmen State Special Music School named after Danatara Ovezov at the Turkmen National Conservatory, whose "Toý gününde" created a special emotional atmosphere. The dance ensemble in colorful national costumes performed Azerbaijani, Armenian, Afghan, Indian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Russian, Turkish, and Uzbek dances and concluded this vibrant choreography performance with a composition that emphasized the unifying power of art.

Song and dance compositions were accompanied by video clips of landscapes and landmarks of world cities, reflecting the rich and unique traditions of different nations united by the desire to live in peace and friendship.

The concert program was distinguished by a variety of genres and premiere numbers, reflecting the rich potential and continuity of national art traditions.

The musical and choreographic composition "Toý bu gün," dedicated to the beloved Homeland, peace, progress, and prosperity, performed by the united ensemble of folk ensembles and dance groups "Serpaý," "Ahal öwüşginleri," was met with enthusiastic applause.

An original touch was added to the concert's festive theme by the performance of the folk group "Miras," which won over the audience with their performance of the traditional dance "Kushtdepdi."

Kushtdepdi is a colorful example of folk art reflecting the symbiosis of historical-cultural traditions and the spiritual experience of the nation. Thanks to the uniqueness of the national art of singing and dancing, it was included in 2017 in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The hall stood up, and with enthusiastic applause, welcomed the patriotic song "Şöhrat Size, Gahryman Arkadagymyz, Arkadagly Gahryman Serdarymyz!" which became a powerful concluding chord of the concert. In this piece, the participants of the celebration praised our independent Homeland, where, thanks to the progressive policies of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, grand transformations are being carried out for the benefit of the people and for the further prosperity of Turkmenistan.

At the end of the festive concert, in recognition of his constant care for the bright future of the happy children of the Homeland, young representatives presented bouquets of flowers to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The head of state also gave gifts to the children.

After the concert, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov once again congratulated everyone on International Neutrality Day and left the event.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan.