The capital's “Yyldyz” hotel hosted a cultural and culinary event organized by the Pakistani Embassy in Turkmenistan. The event was aimed at introducing the culture, music and national cuisine of Pakistan.

The Pakistani side was represented at the event by Pakistani Ambassador to Turkmenistan Faryal Leghari, and the Turkmen side by Minister of Culture Atageldy Shamyradov. The event was also attended by heads of diplomatic missions of various countries.

In her speech, Ambassador Faryal Leghari congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of Neutrality, noting the coincidence of this date with the declaration of 2025 by the United Nations as the International Year of Peace and Trust. The diplomat emphasized that the policy of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan was first proposed by former President Saparmurat Niyazov at the ECO Summit in Islamabad in 1995.

The Ambassador noted the deep historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, dating back to the ancient Silk Road. She drew attention to the shared heritage of Sufi thought and spiritual connections represented by figures such as Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Pakistan and Magtymguly Pyragy in Turkmenistan.

Faryal Leghari proposed joint work to strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries. Among the proposed areas of cooperation, she named joint art exhibitions, exchange of artists, cooperation in textiles and fashion, fusion of culinary traditions, poetry performances, film screenings and concerts.

The Ambassador also expressed her readiness to deliver reports on general culture, history, literature and international relations at universities and cultural centers of Turkmenistan as a tribute to the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality.

Minister of Culture Atageldy Shamyradov thanked for the organized reception and noted the similarity of Pakistani culture and cuisine with Turkmen. He emphasized that Turkmen cultural figures actively perform Pakistani songs and translate them into Turkmen.

The event featured a variety of Pakistani cuisine dishes. The evening was accompanied by musical performances, with Turkmen musicians and singers performing Pakistani compositions.