Speech by National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation forum on the occasion of the declaration of Kazan as the cultural capital of the Islamic world. The event took place within the framework of the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum." The text of the speech is provided by the State News Agency of Turkmenistan.

Dear session participants!

Ladies and gentlemen!

First of all, let me express my sincere gratitude to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov, and all our Russian friends and colleagues for the invitation to participate in the international events of KazanForum 2026, the warm hospitality extended, and the excellent conditions created for productive work.

The internationally recognized KazanForum annually brings together high-level delegations from around the world and international organizations, creating an atmosphere and conditions for developing cooperation across a wide range of areas.

This year, as before, a number of important events aimed at strengthening international economic relations and further deepening cultural and humanitarian ties are being held in the capital of Tatarstan.

Among these, the 15th session of the General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) deserves special mention.

We view this meeting as an excellent opportunity to intensify multilateral dialogue in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, viewing it as an important factor in ensuring sustainable development, strengthening mutual understanding among peoples, and promoting a culture of peace.

In today's context of global transformation, preserving cultural diversity based on identity and traditional values is particularly important.

In this context, the work of international organizations and their role in consolidating states' social efforts are particularly significant.

In this context, Turkmenistan highly values the activities of ISESCO as an authoritative international organization designed to promote broad and effective humanitarian partnerships, the preservation and enhancement of the great civilizational foundation of Islam, its humanistic values, and the support and promotion of achievements in science, education, and culture.

Today, it is of the utmost importance to actively develop the intellectual potential of young people and introduce them to the rich historical and cultural heritage of the world's countries.

Dear session participants!

Turkmenistan's foreign policy is based on the principles of positive, permanent neutrality, the legal status of which has been three times confirmed by the relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, which serves as a reliable basis for the consistent promotion of a policy of peace, good-neighborliness, and broad international cooperation.

Neutrality is also a key factor in Turkmenistan's comprehensive and long-term cultural and humanitarian strategy.

Turkmenistan has acceded to key international humanitarian conventions and treaties and is working with the United Nations to implement them nationally and globally.

In this context, it should be emphasized that, in close cooperation with UNESCO, our country has been conducting extensive work for many years to protect and preserve the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the Turkmen people. As a result, more than 1500 historical and cultural monuments have been registered in Turkmenistan to date.

The most significant fact is the inclusion of the historical sites of Ancient Merv, Kunya-Urgench and the Parthian fortresses of Nisa in the UNESCO World Heritage List as outstanding monuments of world civilization.

The country also places special emphasis on preserving intangible cultural heritage. Currently, many of the categories, such as "Turkmen National Art of Carpet Weaving," "Dutar Craft, Musical Performance, and the Art of Bakhshi," "Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding and Horse Decoration Traditions," and "The Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabay Dog," are included in the relevant UNESCO lists.

Today, we are actively promoting a cultural agenda in Turkmenistan's foreign policy, working to prepare and implement new initiatives aimed at addressing pressing issues in education, science, art, and culture.

We believe that the positive experience of our joint activities within established projects, which have proven themselves to be effective forms of multilateral cooperation, serves as a solid foundation for expanding the potential for cooperation. This primarily includes the "Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" project. Its implementation provides each of our countries with the opportunity to showcase the centuries-old cultural achievements, customs, traditions, and spiritual and cultural values of their peoples.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to sincerely congratulate the leadership of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation on awarding the city of Kazan the status of "Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2026."

Turkmenistan highly respects the work of ISESCO and views developing cooperation with this organization as an important aspect of its international humanitarian policy.

We express interest in expanding our interaction with ISESCO, participating in the Organization's relevant initiatives, and developing practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Of particular significance to us is the fact that in March 2026, Turkmenistan submitted an official letter requesting observer status in ICECCO.

We view joining this important international organization as a significant milestone in the development of Turkmenistan's international cooperation in education, science, and culture.

I am convinced that this creates a new, additional platform for our country's systematic and multi-format participation in programs, the exchange of best practices, and the further strengthening of interaction with the Organization's member states.

In this regard, I would like to present for your consideration a number of specific proposals that, in our view, can provide creative impetus and guidance for further joint work:

First, this is historical heritage.

Turkmenistan proposes to begin developing a long-term ISESCO Strategy for the Preservation and Enrichment of the Cultural and Historical Heritage of Islamic Countries. We believe it would be appropriate to emphasize not only study and research, but also the active promotion of Islamic cultural heritage through the creation of literary and journalistic works, cinematography, virtual museums, galleries, and other widely accessible online platforms.

Secondly, this is education and awareness-raising.

We are proposing the launch of a large-scale program, "Islamic Poetic Dialogue: Wisdom and the Connection of the Ages." The project's goal is to broadly and systematically introduce the public in our country and other countries to the best works of Islamic poetic and philosophical heritage, from antiquity to the modern period. A historical characteristic of Islamic philosophical thought is its lyrical and poetic expression. Therefore, as a first step, we propose considering the creation of a "World Anthology of Islamic Poetry," which would include works by outstanding poets, thinkers, and philosophers of the Muslim world, as well as those authors who feel a sense of belonging to Islam, the Islamic cultural code, and worldview.

Third, Turkmenistan is launching the Smart Cities Diplomacy initiative for the Islamic World.

We recognize that in a number of our countries, including Turkmenistan, the creation of "smart" cities as a public policy initiative is actively developing. Today, the concept of a "smart" city is a fusion of intellect, creativity, architecture, culture, science, technology, aesthetics, and social knowledge—the very concepts that form the basis of cooperation within ISESCO. And here we believe it would be appropriate, precisely at the session of this Organization, through Smart Cities Diplomacy, to establish partnership and professional mechanisms for the exchange of experience, knowledge, developments, and plans between Islamic countries in this promising development segment.

We hope that the proposals and ideas we have expressed will be carefully considered.

In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of peace and creativity, cultural diversity, and sustainable development.

We are convinced that education, science and culture are universal values ​​capable of uniting states and peoples.

Turkmenistan stands ready to continue to contribute to the development of intercivilizational dialogue, strengthening trust and mutual understanding, and actively participating in the promotion of humanistic ideals and values in interstate relations.

We express confidence that the outcomes of the 15th session of the ISESCO General Conference will contribute to the achievement of these goals.