INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR “2015 - THE YEAR OF NEUTRALITY AND PEACE: COOPERATION FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE SILK ROAD REGION - TURKMENISTAN AND INDIA”

On March 19, 2015 one-day international seminar on “2015 - The Year of neutrality and peace: Cooperation for Peace and Development in the Silk Road region - Turkmenistan and India” was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of India in collaboration with the Program of the Silk Road research of Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. Deputy Foreign Minister of India on Economic Affairs Ms. Sujata Mehta participated as the chief guest of the event from the Indian side.    The international seminar was attended by more than 40 leading Turkmen and Indian political science professors, historians, art historians from the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Kashmir University, Jamia Millia Islamia University and other research centres of India, the students of the above universities, heads and representatives of the diplomatic missions and representatives of the local media. All speakers expressed their confidence in the pursuit of Turkmenistan chosen course at this stage of development of our country, objects of the detailed discussions were also historical and cultural ties and traditions. For example, the great humanistic heritage of Magtymguly Pyragy, the similarity of different rites, historical ties, and important role of the Turkmens in the creation of the rich history of India, have been passed as red thread through almost all the speeches and reports. Intellectual quiz among Indian students was held devoted to the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. Quiz winners were awarded with special prizes and gifts.An exhibition of national art, books and magazines of Turkmenistan were introduced to its participants within the framework of the seminar.Gala concert with the participation of Turkmen artists and the solemn reception was held at the end of the international seminar. All the speakers and guests of this forum and cultural event were handed specially prepared by the Embassy of Turkmenistan brochures, souvenirs with the symbols of the Year of Neutrality and Peace, a special issue of the magazine “Business Central Asia” and other materials.