The Chairman of the Austrian-Turkmen Society, editor-in-chief of the Turkmen-Austrian magazine “Galkynysh” Neda Leonidovna Berger was awarded the jubilee medal of Turkmenistan “For the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi”, Turkmenportal reports.

The award ceremony was held on Thursday at the Magtymguly Fragi Turkmen State University. The awards were given to citizens of foreign countries who made a significant contribution to the study, preservation and popularization of the creative heritage of the founder of Turkmen poetry Magtymguly. In total, 20 people from different countries were awarded medals on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, including creative figures from Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and others.

The octagonal medal is made of 925 silver with gold plating, its diameter is 44,3 millimeters. In each corner there is one diamond. In the center there are images of sunbeams, a figure of Magtymguly with a book in his hand, old writing instruments and Turkmen carpet gels.

In an interview with a Turkmenportal correspondent, Neda Berger emphasized that this award is a high recognition of her contribution to the development of relations between Turkmenistan and Austria. “I have been heading the Austrian-Turkmen Society for 16 years now, during which time we have held many cultural events and evenings dedicated to Magtymguly, both in Vienna and here. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for his support of all the initiatives of the Austrian-Turkmen Society. The great Magtymguly Fragi always advocated for peace and unity of the Turkmen people, which formed the basis of the democratic policy of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Thank you to the leadership of Turkmenistan for this award and for the opportunity to hold the sixth Vienna Ball in the “smart” city of Arkadag as part of the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly. I wish everyone a smile on their faces and a great mood”, - she said.

Turkmenportal joins in congratulating and expressing sincere joy for the achievements of Neda Berger, whose contribution to the development of cultural and friendly ties between Turkmenistan and Austria is invaluable.

By the way, a memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the media was signed between the Austrian-Turkmen Society and the online publication Turkmenportal in May of this year. The head of the Society, Neda Berger, is the first journalist accredited simultaneously by both the press service of the Chancellor of Austria and the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.