The International Media Forum “Turkmen Land – the Center of Ancient Civilizations” was held in Ashgabat. The event was timed to coincide with the announcement of the city of Anau as the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024 and the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fragi, the state news agency of Turkmenistan reports.

The forum brought together leaders and media representatives from many countries, including the UK, Hungary, Moldova, Georgia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Russia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of international organizations such as TURKSOY, EBU, IOS Radio and Television Union and UNA.

During the opening, the growing international presence of Turkmenistan was noted, which is being successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The forum became a significant step in the development of humanitarian cooperation and the country’s integration into the global information space.

Particular attention was paid to the symbolism of holding the forum on the eve of events marking the declaration of Anau as the cultural capital of the Turkic world and the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi. The forum also coincided with the adoption by the UN of the Resolution “2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust” at the initiative of Turkmenistan.

Participants highly appreciated the new book by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov Änew – müňýyllyklardan gözbaş alýan medeniýet – about the history and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, including the role of Anau in the development of civilizations.

The forum discussed trends in the development of the global information space, new formats and standards for broadcasting, print and electronic media. Delegates shared their experience and vision of the role of the media in strengthening international integration and intercultural dialogue.

The importance of close cooperation between media structures, increasing the responsibility of journalists and the use of modern technologies to popularize the traditional values of peoples was emphasized.

Turkmenistan has established a regular exchange of news and analytical materials with foreign media, joint work to cover the country’s domestic and foreign policies under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

During the section “The Fount of the Mind of Magtymguly Fragi,” the speakers noted the importance of the rich philosophical and literary heritage of the outstanding thinker of the East, the classical poet Magtymguly Fragi. As emphasized, Fragi is a personality of a planetary scale, whose work is the national treasure of the Turkmen people. A notable fact was also the inclusion of Magtymguly’s heritage in UNESCO programs and the Memory of the World list.

During the forum, an interesting exchange of views on cooperation in the field of cinema also took place. In particular, they talked about the dynamic development of national cinema, as well as the importance of active cooperation in this area, which is designed to help preserve the best traditions of the film industry, create conditions for the exchange of experience, creativity and innovation.

At the end of the international media forum, its participants noted the fruitful nature of the discussions and expressed confidence that its results will contribute to the fulfillment by the media of the special mission entrusted to them - cultural and spiritual education in the name of rapprochement and mutual understanding, strengthening the bonds of friendship between countries and peoples.