Turkmenistan was granted observer status at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO)
During his visit to Kazan, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag, participated in the forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to mark the declaration of Kazan as the cultural capital of the Islamic world.
The first to speak at the forum was the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Hero-Arkadag warmly thanked the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation Rustam Minnikhanov and the Russian side for the invitation to participate in the international events of “KazanForum 2026”, as well as for the warm hospitality and excellent conditions created for fruitful work. This year, as in previous years, the capital of Tatarstan is hosting a number of important events aimed at strengthening international economic relations and further deepening cultural and humanitarian ties, said Hero-Arkadag, highlighting the 15th session of the General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).
“We consider this meeting as a good opportunity to intensify multilateral dialogue in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, viewing it as an important factor in ensuring sustainable development, strengthening mutual understanding between peoples, and promoting a culture of peace,” the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty emphasized.
It was emphasized that Turkmenistan highly respects the activities of ISESCO and views developing cooperation with this Organization as an important vector of its international humanitarian policy. In this context, commitment was reaffirmed to expanding interaction with ISESCO, participating in the relevant initiatives of the Organization and developing practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The National Leader of the Turkmen People emphasized that in March 2026, Turkmenistan sent an official letter requesting observer status in ISESCO.
We view joining this important international organization as a significant milestone in the development of Turkmenistan’s international cooperation in education, science, and culture. In this regard, Hero-Arkadag expressed confidence that this provides a new, additional platform for Turkmenistan’s systematic and multi-format participation in programs, the exchange of best practices, and the further strengthening of cooperation with the Organization’s Member States.
The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty presented a number of concrete proposals aimed to provide impulse and guidance for further joint work.
Speaking about historical heritage, Hero-Arkadag emphasized that Turkmenistan proposes to begin developing a long-term ISESCO Strategy for the Preservation and Enrichment of the Cultural and Historical Heritage of Islamic Countries. In this regard, it was noted that it would be relevant to focus not only on study and research, but also on the active promotion of Islamic cultural heritage through the creation of literary and journalistic works, cinematography, virtual museums, galleries, and other widely accessible online platforms.
Recognizing the importance of education and enlightenment, the National Leader of the Turkmen people announced that Turkmenistan is proposing the launch of a large-scale program, “Islamic Poetic Dialogue: Wisdom and Connection of the Ages”.
The aim of the project is to broadly and systematically introduce the public in our countries and other countries to the best works of Islamic poetic and philosophical heritage, from ancient times to the modern period. A historical feature of Islamic philosophical thought is its lyrical and poetic expression, stated Hero-Arkadag. As a first step, it was proposed to consider creating the “World Anthology of Islamic Poetry”, which would include works by prominent poets, thinkers, and philosophers of the Muslim world, as well as those authors who identify with Islam, the Islamic cultural code, and worldview.
Continuing his speech, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted that Turkmenistan is launching an initiative for Smart Cities Diplomacy in the Islamic World.
Reaffirming Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of peace and creativity, cultural diversity, and sustainable development, the National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed his belief that education, science, and culture are universal values capable of uniting states and peoples.
It is important to emphasize that during the 15th session of the ISESCO General Conference, Turkmenistan was granted observer status at this Organization.
In his speech, ISESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik noted that the possibility of declaring Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan as the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028 is being considered, and work has begun in this regard.
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Completing his visit to the Republic of Tatarstan, the National Leader of the Turkmen People and the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan traveled together to Kazan Gabdulla Tukay International Airport.
The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag, once again expressed his gratitude to the head of Tatarstan for the hospitality and returned to his Homeland.
The full text of the speech of Hero-Arkadag at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation forum can be found at the link: https://mfa.gov.tm/ru/articles/1908