A monument symbolizing the friendship between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia will be erected in Ashgabat. This was announced by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, during a telephone conversation with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reports.

"Hero-Arkadag reaffirmed the Turkmen side's readiness to implement such projects as the expansion of the A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian General Education School complex, the establishment of a Turkmen-Russian university, the construction of a new building for the A.S. Pushkin State Russian Drama Theater, and the erection of a monument to the friendship of our peoples in Ashgabat," the statement reads.

During the conversation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that inter-parliamentary dialogue between the two countries is successfully developing thanks to Matviyenko’s efforts. He emphasized that her work as head of the Russian Senate, Chair of the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, and a prominent figure in the international parliamentary movement serves as a foundation for strengthening ties between the legislative bodies of various states, and noted that Turkmenistan highly values these efforts.

The parties also agreed to continue their joint work on initiatives in the social, political, and humanitarian spheres.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that international forums dedicated to the role of women in society and to demographic and healthcare issues would be held in the Awaza National Tourist Zone in October under the leadership of Matviyenko, and that the next session of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly would take place in Turkmenistan in November.

According to the National Leader, special attention is being paid to joint efforts to study and promote the history of the peoples of both countries. He also expressed gratitude for the respect shown in Russia for the Turkmen language, culture, and the literary heritage of the Turkmen people—including the works of Magtymguly Pyragy—and assured that the Turkmen side would continue to do everything necessary to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Describing Matviyenko as a sincere and reliable friend of Turkmenistan who makes a significant contribution to the development of Turkmen-Russian relations, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude to her on behalf of the Turkmen people.