The hakim of Ashgabat Rahim Gandymov participated in the First International Sister Cities Forum, which was held in Samarkand. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The forum brought together representatives of government agencies, local governments, international organizations, and the expert community from nearly 30 countries. Participants discussed the development of inter-municipal cooperation, improving urban governance, implementing modern technologies, and sharing best practices in sustainable urban development.

Speaking at the forum, the Ashgabat mayor emphasized the importance of strengthening interaction between cities to expand international cooperation, implement joint initiatives, and share best practices in digitalization, developing transport and engineering infrastructure, and creating a comfortable urban environment.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership, based on the principles of friendship, good-neighborliness, and mutual respect. The successful development of sister-city relations between Ashgabat and Tashkent and the implementation of joint cultural and humanitarian projects were noted.

The forum included a presentation dedicated to Ashgabat's 145th anniversary, highlighting the Turkmen capital's achievements in urban development, architecture, public amenities, and sustainable development.

Following the forum, confidence was expressed that its results will contribute to the further expansion of international inter-municipal cooperation and the implementation of new joint projects.