On the occasion of the opening of the 20th international universal exhibition “White City of Ashgabat” today, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the forum participants with a congratulatory speech.

In particular, the Address says:

“I cordially congratulate you on the beginning of the XX International Universal Exhibition “White City of Ashgabat”! The annual celebration of the Day of Ashgabat on May 25 has become one of the unforgettable events for the residents of the Turkmen capital. Traditionally, an international exhibition is held in honor of this significant date. I am convinced that it will be of great importance in strengthening international partnership and sharing experience.

The international forum is intended to demonstrate the magnificent appearance, the unique beauty of the white marble Ashgabat, achievements in the economy, science and education, healthcare, communications, culture and other fields.

This year we mark the 140th anniversary of our beautiful capital Ashgabat - a city with a glorious historical past, which we highly respect. Reforms initiated in all spheres of the city's life led to the formation of the modern appearance of the Turkmen capital.

We have made tremendous efforts and invested significant funds in the construction of facilities in our beautiful city that combine in their appearance a special flavor, historical and cultural values of the nation. Therefore, Ashgabat is indeed a visible embodiment of the love of its residents. Many buildings built in Ashgabat, considered the “pearl” of Asia, have been recognized internationally, which clearly testifies to the growth of its status as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is confirmed by the inclusion of a number of capital objects in the Guinness Book of Records.

We are proud of the modern achievements and splendor of our capital. One of the key areas of the urban planning program, within the framework of which grandiose activities are carried out in our beautiful capital, is the development and optimal improvement of the country's main city through the construction of residential areas with all amenities, objects for various purposes and clusters of road transport infrastructure.

This year, the motto of which is “Turkmenistan is the Motherland of Peace and Trust”, a number of buildings and facilities were opened in the Turkmen capital to commemorate the 30th anniversary of independence. Among them are the Reception Center of Turkmenistan, the International Congress Center and the International Reception Center of Turkmenistan, the State Commercial Bank “Turkmenbashy” and the Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Senagat”, the center of the International Association of Ahalteke Horse Breeding and the International Association “Türkmen alabaý itleri” and the complex of the International Association “Türkmen alabaý itleri”, as well as a number of other social and cultural facilities.

Ahead are tremendous tasks in the field of development and comprehensive arrangement of the country's main city. I am convinced that, guided by our main motto “The state is for person!”, we will be able to turn the white city of Ashgabat into a center of prosperity and progress!”.

Concluding his message, the Turkmen leader wished the participants of the 20th international universal exhibition “White City of Ashgabat” good health, family well-being and great success in their activities, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reports.