By Elena Teslova
MOSCOW (AA) - The International Forum on the Relationship between Time and Civilization: Foundation of the Modern World and Development kicked off on Friday in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat.
The event, marking the 300th anniversary of Turkmen poet Mahtumkulu Firaki, opened with a welcoming ceremony attended by Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus, and a number of other high-ranking figures from different countries.
Turkmenistan’s president, Serdar Berdimuhammedov, personally welcomed each attending head of state and parliament leader in the foyer of the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with official photographs taken to commemorate the occasion.
Following the reception, delegation leaders proceeded to the conference center to participate in summit sessions.
Turkmenistan hosted officials from Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and the Autonomous Republic of Tatarstan, along with representatives from UNESCO, the Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), and the Organization of Turkic States.