A gala reception to mark Europe Day 2026 was held at the Gala Cultural and Entertainment Center in Ashgabat, reaffirming the strong and dynamic partnership between the European Union and Turkmenistan. Organized under the leadership of EU Ambassador Beata Peksa, the event brought together representatives of Turkmenistan's ministries and agencies, heads of diplomatic missions, international organizations, the business community, and the media.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Akhmet Gurbanov represented the Turkmen delegation at the reception. The organizers described the choice of the foothill location as symbolic: the slopes of the Kopetdag Mountains represent the stability and long-term nature of bilateral ties.

The highlight of the evening and a striking example of cultural diplomacy was a large-scale light projection of the European Union flag onto the Kopetdag Mountains, accompanied by the playing of the EU anthem.

In her welcoming remarks, Head of the EU Diplomatic Mission Beata Peksa emphasized that the spirit of Europe and the concept of "unity in diversity" remain the greatest strength for expanding multi-vector dialogue with Ashgabat in the interests of regional stability and prosperity.

ORIENT