President Advocates for Enhanced Focus on Regional Connectivity and Cultural Cooperation

• President Zardari Emphasizes Regional Connectivity at Turkmenistan Forum
• Zardari Celebrates Magtymguly Faragi’s Legacy and Cultural Collaboration
• Enhancing Bilateral Relations: Zardari’s Address at Ashgabat Event
• Turkmenistan and Pakistan: A Call for Unity and Cooperation by President Zardari

President Asif Ali Zardari addressed an international forum held in Turkmenistan’s capital on Friday, emphasizing the need for increased focus on regional connectivity and cultural and economic collaboration.

In his address at the forum titled “Interrelation of Times and Civilizations – Basis for Peace and Development,” President Zardari highlighted the deep-rooted bond of brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, founded on mutual respect, shared faith, and a collective vision for a peaceful future.

The event commemorated the 300th birth anniversary of Magtymguly Faragi, a prominent Turkmen thinker, poet, and philosopher. It was attended by various regional leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, among others.

Arriving in Ashgabat on Thursday for a two-day visit, President Zardari referred to Magtymguly Faragi as a “towering figure” in Turkmen literature and a “beacon of spiritual enlightenment.” He noted that both Faragi and Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, shared significant commonalities in their poetry, particularly in themes of Sufism and nationalism.

He commended the Turkmen government and people for organizing the forum, which aims to foster peace and dialogue among diverse cultures and provides an opportunity for regional leaders to strengthen mutual friendships.

President Zardari underscored that his participation in the forum reflects Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. He characterized Magtymguly Faragi not only as a poet but also as a symbol of the Turkmen people’s love for their homeland, stating, “His works continue to resonate with us today, providing guidance, inspiration, and a sense of unity.”

He noted that Faragi lived during a period of significant political and social upheaval, when the Turkmen tribe was fragmented, yet he devoted his life to the aspiration of uniting his people.

President Zardari expressed hope that the discussions during the forum would honor Faragi’s legacy and open new avenues for cultural collaboration. He also expressed pleasure in meeting Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and reflected on his previous meetings with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the father of the current president.

President Asif Ali Zardari being welcomed by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, upon his arrival at the International Forum on “Interrelation of Times and Civilizations – Basis of Peace and Development”, being held in Ashgabat, on 11-10-2024.

President Asif Ali Zardari in a group photo with Heads of States/Governments/Parliaments participating in the International Forum on “Interrelation of Times and Civilizations – Basis of Peace and Development”, being held in Ashgabat, on 11-10-2024.