The "New Era of the Great Silk Road" forum for the youth of Central Asia and China opened on Thursday in Mary Province's administrative centre, Mary City.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed hosting the first Summit of Heads of State of the Central Asia-China format during the summit held in Xi'an, China, in May of this year, the official Turkmen media reports.
The head of state congratulated the Forum participants on launching the Youth Forum "New Era of the Great Silk Road" in Mary City.
In his congratulatory letter, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his conviction that the gathering of young representatives from various sectors such as science, education, culture, art, and parliaments of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and China, along with ambassadors of the Sustainable Development Programme of Central Asia and China, would hold significant importance in identifying specific paths for the development of international cooperation in the realm of youth policy.
The Mahtumkuli Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan, the relevant ministries, sectoral departments and the Administration of Mary province were entrusted with the organisation.
The three-day forum brings together young professionals, students, volunteers and representatives of various fields from China and Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Thematic sections, small meetings and negotiations of the heads of delegations on topical aspects of cooperation in the Mary Library followed the plenary session.
In the upcoming days, plans are to present the Youth Award and host the Youth Festival of Culture and Arts. Additionally, the forum participants will have the opportunity to visit the Ancient Merv Historical and Cultural Reserve. This remarkable site, situated along the Great Silk Road, is recognised as one of the oldest and most well-preserved oasis towns. It holds the distinction of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
