Today, the embassy of the Russian Federation in Ashgabat hosted a solemn reception for veterans on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The event was attended by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Vepa Hajiyev, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in the country, and the media.

As Vepa Haiiyev noted, veterans of the Great Patriotic War are treated with deep respect and great attention in Turkmenistan. “At the state level, decisions are made to perpetuate the memory of heroes and honor veterans. As in previous years, this year we held ceremonies at which valuable gifts and cash payments were given to respected elder heroes and widows of those who fell on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. And we will continue to take measures to preserve the historical memory of the tragic years of the Great Patriotic War,” he said.

Welcoming the audience, Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Federation in Turkmenistan Petr Shchukin emphasized that the Victory occupies an honorable place in the annals of the Russian and Turkmen peoples as an eternal symbol of unbending character, solidarity, courage and heroism shown by countries during the difficult years of the war.

Speaking about the contribution of Turkmenistan to the Great Victory, the Russian diplomat called it truly invaluable. “300,000 Turkmen soldiers fought at the fronts, of which 130,000 were awarded orders and medals. 104 Turkmen soldiers were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and 15 became full holders of the Order of Glory,” said Shchukin.

The huge role of Turkmenistan in the logistic support of the USSR during the war years was also noted by Vepa Hajiyev. “During the war years, almost 7.5 tons of silver and gold were transferred from Turkmenistan to the All-Union Defense Fund, which accounted for about 80% of all precious metals collected throughout the union. They produced seven squadrons of combat aircraft and five tank columns. Large amounts of money, food, textiles, equipment and much more were sent,” the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan summed up.