On March 2, 2018, on the occasion of the announcement of 2018 as the Year "Turkmenistan is the heart of the Great Silk Road", as well as to familiarize with the principles of domestic and foreign policy of the President of Turkmenistan, the conference under the title "Turkmenistan - the heart of the Great Silk Road» had been held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan. The event was attended by the representatives of public organizations and local media.
During the conference, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Japan in his speech described rich Turkmen history, acquainted listeners with the current geopolitical significance, as well as with the politics of the peace and good-neighborly relations, conducted by Turkmenistan. It was also noted that the formation of Turkmenistan as the center of the Great Silk Road, as well as the ongoing work to restore its former grandeur is being implemented through the construction of a transport and communication network and gas pipelines. It was especially emphasized that since ancient times the Turkmen territories served as a bridge between different civilizations.
In addition, the participants were informed that this year of "Turkmenistan is the heart of the Great Silk Road", it is planned to hold scientific conferences, creative meetings, concerts, exhibitions of archeological values, performances of folklore groups and sports competitions. In this regard, it was said that on April 18-19, 2018 it is planned to organize the international conference "Ancient Sources of Music and Song Arts" in Ashgabat, where the members of the International Arts Center of Japan are supposed to participate.
The Japanese participants in their speeches noted the antiquity of the roots of the Turkmen people, the peculiarities of cultural values and highly appreciated the efforts of Turkmenistan in the modern revival of the Great Silk Road.
At the end of the event, a tea ceremony was organized to familiarize those present with the tea culture of the Turkmen people. At the event, demonstrating tea supplies and tea preparation features, the participants were offered a variety of tea, prepared from Turkmen medicinal plants with sweets of Turkmen sachak and honey. In addition, the chief guests of the event were presented with the book of the President of Turkmenistan "Tea - medicine and inspiration", translated into Japanese.
