Oriented on making people closer

Today, on October 15, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Islamabad, Atajan Movlamov, met with Federal Minister of Pakistan for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Hichi.

The minister announced the readiness of government of Pakistan to sign a cultural cooperation program until 2026 between the two countries' relevant ministries, which "will mark a new chapter in the cultural interaction between the two brotherly countries," according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

He emphasized the need to further strengthen people-to-people ties by promoting cultural exchanges alongside ongoing cooperation in trade and business.

Emphasizing the significance of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, the minister called it an important regional initiative and expressed hope for similar cooperation in the fields of culture and heritage.

He noted that since the flight time between the two countries is less than two hours, both sides should take advantage of direct air links to develop tourism and cultural exchange. "Pakistan has a rich civilizational heritage spanning over 5,000 years, including the cultures of Gandhara, Harappa, and Mohenjo-Daro, which are worth exploring," he added.

The minister also proposed organizing joint cultural festivals in Pakistan and Turkmenistan to showcase the diversity of traditions and art forms in the two countries. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi invited Turkmenistan to participate in the upcoming major festival, Lok Mela 2025, which will be held from November 7 to 16 at the Lok Virsa Complex in Islamabad. The Ambassador accepted the invitation and assured the participation of the Turkmen delegation in the event.

The minister also announced plans to hold a special cultural evening at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), featuring performances and exhibitions showcasing Pakistan's rich heritage, and invited the Turkmen Ambassador to attend along with other diplomatic representatives.

Both sides agreed to appoint coordinators from their ministries to expedite the finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding. The Turkmen Ambassador pledged to strengthen bilateral cultural and tourism ties and emphasized the importance of joint efforts to stimulate economic development through joint cultural and creative initiatives.

Asad Rehman Gillani, Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, called the upcoming signing of the cultural cooperation program the beginning of a new era of friendship and interaction between the peoples of Pakistan and Turkmenistan.

He added that the proposed agreement aims to strengthen mutual understanding and cultural ties through broad cooperation in the arts, literature, and cultural heritage preservation. It includes exchange programs for artists, writers, and cultural delegations, as well as exhibitions, conferences, and joint artistic events celebrating the shared heritage of both countries.

The cooperation also includes the translation and publication of literary works, the organization of cultural seminars, and participation in each other's national cultural festivals, further strengthening the historical ties between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.

ORIENT

Photo: app.com.pk