ORIENT| Events. On March 31, 2026 (1447 AH), a solemn ceremony took place in the capital of Turkmenistan, embodying the unbreakable bonds of friendship between Ashgabat and Riyadh.

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, 25 tons of select dates from the 1447 AH harvest were donated to the government and people of Turkmenistan.

The event, held at the Kingdom's embassy, was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Amir bin Ali Al-Shehri, representative of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Support Center Othman bin Rashid Al-Rashid, and representatives of the Turkmen clergy.

…The recognition of the head of the diplomatic mission added a special drama to the event. As the Ambassador noted, the symbolic cargo's journey to Turkmenistan was extremely difficult. Due to tragic events in the Middle East and the crisis in the Persian Gulf, the delivery was hampered by serious obstacles and even life-threatening threats.

However, despite storms and geopolitical turbulence, this gift of faith reached its recipients in Turkmenistan. The shipment was scheduled to arrive at the end of the holy fast, but despite the delay, this gift became a symbol of the fact that there are no barriers to true mercy and charitable deeds.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, representatives of the Turkmen clergy expressed their deep gratitude to the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques for this gift, priceless in its spiritual significance.

It was emphasized that such care during a sacred time for every Muslim is the highest manifestation of brotherhood and sincere solidarity between our peoples.

The gift presented to Turkmenistan on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the King of Saudi Arabia, is a tribute to centuries-old traditions. Blessed dates are the "heart" of Arab hospitality.

In traditional Arab culture, especially during the holy month of Ramadan and the Ramadan holiday, entertaining a guest is elevated to an art form. Dates and coffee occupy a central place in this ritual.

Dates are inextricably linked with Islam. According to the Sunnah, it is customary to break the fast with dates (an odd number) and a sip of water after a full day of fasting during the month of Ramadan.

The date palm is considered a "blessed tree." In Saudi Arabia, the palm tree is part of the national emblem.

Dates are the "bread of the desert," bestowing strength, and Arabic coffee is a symbol of the host's sincere affection for the guest. The combination of the noble bitterness of coffee and the honeyed sweetness of dates is a classic taste that will now grace Turkmen dastarkhans.

…The historical ties between our two peoples go back centuries, through the Great Silk Road. Turkmen communities have long existed in Saudi Arabia, and the spiritual centers of Mecca and Medina have always been places of pilgrimage for Turkmens.

The current stage of the Turkmen-Saudi partnership, which began with the Kingdom's recognition of Turkmenistan's independence in 1991, is today based on the profound personal example of its leaders.

National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has made four pilgrimages to the holy sites of Islam over the course of his tenure (in 2007, 2016, 2023, and 2024), earning himself the honorary title of "Haji Arkadag."

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also maintains his commitment to spiritual roots. His first foreign visit as head of state in June 2022 was marked by the Umrah ceremony and prayer within the sacred Kaaba. This further cemented the foundation of sincere brotherhood.

It is therefore not surprising that today Saudi Arabia is an important partner for Turkmenistan not only in matters of faith but also in major geo-economic projects, such as the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline.

However, it is precisely humanitarian actions such as the donation of dates from the King Salman Center that demonstrate the true depth of this relationship, when support is given not out of cold calculation, but from the heart – as a gift to a brother.

The donated dates will be a wonderful addition to festive dastarkhans, reminding the people of Turkmenistan that the Turkmen people have reliable and loyal friends on the shores of the Persian Gulf.