Turkmenistan Highlights Cultural Cooperation at International Conference in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, The Gulf Observer: A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Education Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, participated in the International Conference on Strengthening Cultural Ties and Developing Creative and Cultural Industries held in St. Petersburg from June 17 to 19, reaffirming the country’s commitment to expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The high-level event brought together senior officials from several CIS member states, including Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, and Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev.
The conference focused on strengthening cultural ties, preserving shared historical and cultural heritage, enhancing interstate humanitarian dialogue, and promoting creative and cultural industries as a key component of modern international cooperation.
A plenary session titled “Interaction of Cultures: Preservation of Heritage and Global Dialogue in the Modern World” examined practical approaches to safeguarding common cultural heritage and reinforcing cultural and humanitarian relations among nations amid rapidly evolving global challenges.
The conference programme also featured a panel discussion on “Intercultural Dialogue: Traditions, Modern Meanings and New Formats of Cooperation,” during which participants explored opportunities for collaboration in cinematography, theatre, libraries, museums, music, and creative education.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Gurbangeldiyev underscored the importance Turkmenistan attaches to cultural and humanitarian cooperation during its chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. He highlighted efforts to preserve historical and cultural heritage, deepen interstate dialogue, and advance innovative forms of partnership among member states.
The minister noted that Turkmenistan, guided by its policy of “open doors” and its internationally recognized status of permanent neutrality, regards culture as a “golden bridge” that fosters trust, mutual understanding, and respect among peoples.
He emphasized that strengthening cultural connections and expanding humanitarian engagement remain central priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and regional cooperation agenda.
The participation of the Turkmen delegation in the conference reflected the country’s consistent support for initiatives aimed at enhancing friendship, mutual understanding, and collaboration among CIS nations.
The Turkmen side also reaffirmed its interest in further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation through cultural exchanges, joint projects, and stronger professional partnerships among cultural and educational institutions, as well as creative communities across the region.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment among participating countries to deepen cultural dialogue and strengthen collaborative efforts in preserving heritage and promoting creative industries as drivers of sustainable international cooperation.
